Two Suffolk tech apprentices have landed spots as finalists in the forthcoming national IT and Digital Apprenticeships Awards.

Computing students, Zachary Ketteringham and Xenia Zimmermann, both apprentices at global telecommunications firm BT, will compete against numerous other nominees from across the UK in the esteemed awards later this month.

The accolades serve to highlight the emerging talents of Britain's digital apprentices in several classifications.

Mr Ketteringham is vying for the title of Cyber Apprentice of the Year while Ms Zimmermann has secured nominations in the Professional Development Award and Digital Degree Apprentice of the Year categories.

Zac Ketteringham is vying for the title of Cyber Apprentice of the Year Zac Ketteringham is vying for the title of Cyber Apprentice of the Year (Image: Submitted)

Ms Zimmermann conveyed her excitement, saying: “I've loved being able to learn lots throughout my apprenticeship at BT and University of Suffolk and I'm excited to attend the award ceremony alongside colleagues who have supported me for the last three years.

I'm really looking forward to meeting and networking with other early careers professionals from different industries.”

Mr Ketteringham said: “I'm incredibly honoured to represent the University of Suffolk at the Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham this year.

"Advocating for our digital and technology solutions apprenticeship scheme has been a privilege.

"The interview process allowed me to demonstrate the benefits of apprenticeships, showing how my experience in cybersecurity has developed my skills and professionalism, and helped me overcome challenges."

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Dr Syed Aslam, course leader in Digital and Technology Solutions (Apprenticeships) at the University of Suffolk, said: “We are extremely proud of the progress of all our apprentices and for Zac and Xenia to be among others being recognised nationally is fantastic for them and for the University.”

Echoing Dr Aslam's sentiment, Yvonne Malpass, director of Apprenticeships, said: “Being nominated for a national award is already a victory in itself."