Cornwall College Hosts Ninth Annual Apprenticeship Games

Apprentices from across Cornwall went head-to-head at Cornwall College Camborne as the ninth annual Apprenticeship Games returned as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

The hands-on competition is designed to test teamwork, communication and quick thinking, and has become a well-established part of the national celebration of apprenticeships. National Apprenticeship Week is a UK-wide campaign recognising the contribution apprenticeships make to individuals, employers and the wider economy, championing skills development across every sector.

A Day of High-Energy Challenges

Teams representing engineering, construction including plumbing, carpentry and property maintenance, as well as accounting and professional services, took part in a series of practical and skills-based challenges.

One of the standout events was the Big Pitstop Challenge, where teams worked together to pull an HGV truck and change a wheel. The task was designed to demonstrate coordination, leadership and resilience under pressure.

Elsewhere, apprentices competed in a Hair and Beauty challenge to recreate a professional look against the clock and a Cookery Pancake Challenge judged on technique and presentation. A hands-on construction task tested collaboration and practical ability, while a military-style team exercise included a blindfolded element focused on trust and clear communication.

The day also featured a fast-paced quiz challenge and a strategy-led gaming challenge, giving apprentices the chance to show different strengths and contribute to their team’s performance.

Backed by Cornwall Opportunities

Teresa Copping, Head of Apprenticeships at Cornwall College Group, said: “The Apprenticeship Games are one of the highlights of our year and a strong way to mark National Apprenticeship Week. They showcase the talent, resilience and teamwork our apprentices demonstrate every day in the workplace.

“We are grateful to Cornwall Opportunities for headlining this year’s event and for their continued support of skills development across Cornwall. Their backing enables us to bring apprentices, employers and the college together in a way that strengthens opportunity across the region.”

Cornwall Opportunities, part of Cornwall Council, was the main sponsor of the 2026 event.

Cathie Kessell, People & Prosperity Manager at Cornwall Council and Cornwall Opportunities, added: “By sponsoring the 2026 Apprenticeship Games, Cornwall Opportunities is celebrating our local talent and apprenticeship employers. Apprenticeships open doors, create opportunities and empower people to thrive while strengthening our local economy helping shape a future where skills and ambition drive Cornwall forward.”

Winners Announced

After a closely contested day, Pendennis Group A were crowned overall winners of the ninth annual Apprenticeship Games. Fugro secured second place, with A&P 2 finishing third.

Individual awards were presented during the closing ceremony. Serco 1 received the Leadership Award sponsored by Concorde Recruitment, Pendennis Group B was recognised with the Teamwork Award sponsored by A&P Falmouth and Pendennis Group A collected the Communication Award sponsored by Cornwall’s Rewind Radio.

Ollie Holloway, Plumbing Apprentice at Cornwall College St Austell, who works for Dave Holloway Plumbing & Heating, said: “The Games pushes you to think clearly and work together. You realise quickly how important communication and planning are, whatever industry you’re in. It was competitive and a really positive experience.”

For more information about apprenticeships at Cornwall College Group, visit the Cornwall College apprenticeship page.

📷Apprentices from across Cornwall compete in the ninth annual Apprenticeship Games at Cornwall College Camborne as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026.