A University of Brighton apprentice has been named Graduate of the Year at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards, marking a second consecutive win for the university’s degree apprenticeship programme.
Tom Miller received the accolade after completing a degree apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying while working in the industry. Judges recognised his ability to combine academic excellence with hands-on experience in a highly competitive field.
The achievement follows last year’s success by fellow Brighton graduate Isaac Wiggers, highlighting the continued strength of the university’s apprenticeship model in supporting both students and regional businesses.
Tom, who now works for Brighton-based Woodhart Group, graduated with first-class honours and credits the apprenticeship route with helping him develop essential practical skills.
“Winning this award makes me so proud of the hard work and commitment I poured into my degree”, Tom said.
“Starting the degree a little bit later rather than straight after college definitely helped me, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from my lecturers at the University of Brighton.”
His path into the profession began at the University of Greenwich, where he completed a Higher National Certificate before progressing to Brighton to complete his degree.
Tom credits the degree apprenticeship programme at the University of Brighton with giving him the skills needed to succeed in industry.
He said: “I would always recommend the degree apprenticeship route. The degree is important, but most of the quantity surveying can’t really be taught in just lectures. Working in the industry provides exposure and practical experience.”
Professor Imran Rafiq, Dean of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said: “We are incredibly proud of Tom and what he has achieved by being the second consecutive Brighton apprentice to win this award. His success reflects the dedication of our students and the power of learning through doing. By combining academic rigour with sustained industry experience, our students develop the technical expertise, professional confidence and real-world insight that employers are looking for.
“Tom’s achievement demonstrates the strength of our degree apprenticeship model in preparing graduates who can excel from day one. By combining academic rigour with sustained industry experience, our students develop the technical expertise, professional confidence and real-world insight that employers are looking for.”
The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards celebrate excellence across the region, with the Graduate of the Year category recognising emerging talent.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Man admits rape of woman in Worthing car park
West Sussex Fire and Rescue give tips to keep safe with e-cigarettes
Appeal after pet theft in Brighton
Police hotspot patrols in Sussex slash crime in targeted areas
Oral history mental health project launches in Worthing
Police investigating burglary at Eastbourne flat
New AI cameras to detect traffic offences in Sussex
ID sought following series of tendering offences across Sussex
Road safety work begins in Chichester
Tender options at Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower
On Air