Cornwall College Hosts Ninth Annual Apprenticeship Games Showdown

Apprentices from across the region gathered at Cornwall College Camborne to go head-to-head in the Apprenticeship Games, a hands-on competition designed to test teamwork, communication and quick thinking.

Now in its ninth year, the event has become a well-established fixture of National Apprenticeship Week, bringing together apprentices from a wide range of industries and many of the region’s leading employers. National Apprenticeship Week is a UK-wide campaign that recognises the contribution apprenticeships make to individuals, employers and the wider economy, championing skills development across every sector. 
 
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.” 
 

Cathie Kessell, People & Prosperity Manager at Cornwall Council and Cornwall Opportunities, the main sponsors of the event, 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.” 

 
Competing teams represented a range of sectors including engineering, construction - plumbing, carpentry and property maintenance plus, accounting and professional services.  
 

The Games featured a series of high-energy, skills-based challenges designed to test teamwork, communication and problem-solving under pressure. In the Big Pitstop Challenge, teams worked together to pull an HGV truck and change a wheel, demonstrating coordination, leadership and resilience. 

Elsewhere, participants took part 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 focused on collaboration and practical ability, while a Military-style team exercise including a blindfolded element that tested trust and clear communication. 

The day also included a fast-paced Quiz Challenge and a strategy-led Gaming Challenge, ensuring every apprentice had the opportunity to showcase different strengths and contribute to their team’s success. 
 
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 also 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.” 
 
To find out more about apprenticeships at Cornwall College Group, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/apprenticeships