BPP Tech Newsletter - Q1 2026
Managing Director of Tech Apps & Higher Ed & Dean of the School of Technology’s Introduction
On behalf of myself and my team, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to everybody starting their studies with us this term, and welcome back those of you continuing with your programmes. Although it may feel like a long time ago now, I hope you all had a lovely break over the festive period and feel refreshed and raring to go!
Technology, especially advances in AI, continues to dominate the headlines, for both good and less good reasons. The scandal over Grok’s undressing tool raised interesting questions as to whether those who work in the Technology sector should be held to the same level of professional ethics as other professions such as Medicine, Law and Accountancy. It’s a topic that our Head of Innovation, Idris Fabiyi, covered as part of our Digital Edge content series – I hope you’ll find time to read his timely and important piece.
If you enjoyed this, why don’t you check out more content from our Digital Edge series of articles, blogs and podcasts? I especially enjoyed listening to recent episodes featuring 2 of our learners, Ashley Trigg and Owais Bharwani.
https://open.spotify.com/show/4wLAuGMARmMNMvqGnR9iQy
I know Keat has a fabulous calendar of exciting events lined up for you over 2026 and I do hope, whatever programme you’re studying, that you’ll find the time to attend at least one, and network with your fellow students. I’m especially looking forward to our Digital Edge Live event in London on 12th February and hope to meet many of you there. You can still book a ticket if you haven’t had the chance to yet.
Events and podcasts aside, my job is to ensure that you all have an amazing experience studying with us, and that my team do everything in their power to enable you to complete your studies feeling set up for success for whatever lies ahead. If there is anything you feel we could do to improve any aspect of our delivery, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. My virtual door is always open!
Cassandra
Dean, School of Technology
Managing Director, Technology Apprenticeships and Higher Education
Table of Contents
Head of Students Update
Code and Insight Hackathon
Digital Edge Live
Digital Edge Virtual Conference
BCS Finalists and Winners
Off The Job - Staff Spotlight
Events
The BPP Digital Edge & Techspere
Head of Students Update
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2026
I hope you had a restful and enjoyable holiday season.
Looking back on 2025, I feel that we have laid strong foundations with our student community activities and events, and your feedback has been consistently constructive and positive. There’s nothing quite like connecting face-to-face, and it’s always great to see students from different disciplines come together. The atmosphere at these events is not only vibrant but welcoming, and we’re committed to build on what we have achieved last year.
With that in mind, we’re excited to continue hosting live events throughout the year, starting with Digital Edge Live in London during National Apprenticeship Week. This event is a rebrand of our Big Tech / Apprentice Meetup, and later in the year we’ll bring Digital Edge Live to Manchester.
It’s also been fantastic to see learners stepping up as panelists at our events and, for the first time, joining us on the TechSphere podcast. We closed 2025 with two episodes featuring learners, and we’d love to have more of you involved. If you’re interested in joining a podcast or speaking on a panel, please reach out so I can keep you up to date with events in your area.
Another exciting development is the upcoming relaunch of the Virtual Campus, BPP’s social networking platform originally created during Covid to keep degree learners connected when they couldn’t come to our centres to study. It’s being realigning for remote learners, including those from Firebrand and Estio. The aim of this platform is to build a virtual community that complements our live events.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Keat
keatng@bpp.com
Code & Insight Challenge Hackathon, London 2025
In November, fifteen Software and Data apprentices took part in our inaugural Software & Data themed Hackathon at the London Portsoken campus. Working in mixed teams, apprentices spent the day exploring and cleaning realistic banking datasets and building dashboards through web development or PowerBi to help a fictional digital bank understand its customers, products, and risk profile.
Seven of the participants only started their apprenticeship in September, which makes their contribution particularly impressive. Every apprentice played a meaningful role, including data cleaning and analysis, building front end views, testing, and presenting. By the end of the day, each team produced a completed project ready to showcase to peers and judges, demonstrating both technical capability and the ability to collaborate, communicate, and tell a clear story with data.
It was a brilliant day that allows our learners to come together and develop new skills, furthering their own personal development. Stay tuned for future Hackathon events in different disciplines.
Digital Edge Live, London 2026
Digital Edge Virtual Research Conference – Save the Date! - Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Join us for an inspiring day of innovation and discovery at the Digital Edge Virtual Research Conference! This one-day event celebrates the cutting-edge research and creativity of our learners and staff in the rapidly evolving world of digital technology and analytics.
Hear about workplace impact from students who have completed or are near completion of their Apprenticeship, alongside exciting contributions from staff at the school. Plus, don’t miss our lunchtime panel discussion, where experts will explore the future of technology and its impact on industry.
This is a fantastic opportunity to witness the incredible work and real-world impact our learners are making and to spark ideas that will inspire you as you progress through your own programme.
Save the date in your calendars and be part of a showcase that highlights the talent and ideas shaping tomorrow’s tech. Instructions on how to join the day will follow in due course.
BCS Finalists and Winners
3 more of our finalists in last year’s BCS awards have shared their stories for this issues newsletter. If you would like to work on your nomination for this year’s awards, please let your coach know and we will be in contact.
Chantelle Hunt, Estio Training
Level 4 Applications Support Lead
BCS Awards Winner – Digital Business Services Apprentice of the Year
What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Winning this award has been a significant moment for me both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it validates the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my journey and the extra efforts I have made to deliver enhancements to our systems. Professionally, I’m hoping that it opens up new opportunities as well as inspires others to go the extra mile.
How did you find the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony was an excellent experience, it was very inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented individuals and to see the recognition of everyone’s achievements. It was also very interesting to see the breadth of employers present and hear about how technology is impacting across various sectors.
What inspired you to pursue a digital apprenticeship?
It was actually some careers advice I received in my first job working within procurement that inspired the application to a digital apprenticeship, when the SAP centred role was offered at Manchester Airports Group it seemed like the perfect mix of analytic problem solving and stakeholder management that I was looking for.
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship journey so far?
The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship journey so far has been the opportunity to own and manage projects, working with stakeholders to improve these and be able to resolve long standing issues. It’s been very fulfilling to know that my work is making a positive difference to colleagues.
Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?
I was able to take ownership and deliver an end-to-end support process for a newly acquired workforce management application, this involved engaging a significant number of teams, developing a solution which was fit for purpose and reduced resource bottlenecks on front line support teams. The solution has been live without incident for 8 months and has greatly assisted users in accessing timely support.
What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
Negotiation skills have been something I was not expecting to have developed so much during my apprenticeship. My role has meant I provide the technical advice on projects has often meant there is a need to bridge conflicting requirements between teams and reach a workable consensus.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your apprenticeship?
How important it is to explain and educate non-technical colleagues on why work is required or why certain solutions should be implemented, this helps projects to progress more consistently as users have greater confidence in the work that is being undertaken and are able to better understand the benefits being delivered.
Who would you like to thank or acknowledge for supporting your journey?
Definitely, firstly my parents for instilling in me the mindset to search out and grab opportunities as much as possible, using every chance you get to develop yourself. I would also like to thank my colleagues at MAG who have provided their time and experience to help me, in particular the trust my managers have shown in allowing me to own projects and processes from very early on.
What advice would you give to future apprentices aiming for excellence?
Believe in yourself, ask questions and continue to learn and develop outside of your apprenticeship. Taking these approaches have helped me to progress more quickly in my role and I hope they would do the same for others.
What’s next for you in your career or learning journey?
I have recently been promoted to the role of HR Systems SME, looking to the future I am wanting to develop my management skills to take on more leadership roles as well as undertaking SAP certifications to better support the team and demonstrate my competency level.
David Adams, BPP School of Tech
Level 6 L6 Digital Technology Solutions
BCS Awards Finalist – Business Analyst of the Year
How did it feel to be named a finalist in the BCS awards?
I was incredibly honoured to be named a finalist in the BCS Awards. It validated the hard work and passion that went into what I do, and it motivated me to keep pushing forward. It was also a great reminder that dedication and perseverance really do pay off.
How did you find the awards ceremony? (If you attended)
The awards ceremony was a unique experience. It was an exciting moment in my apprentice journey to get the chance to connect with others in the industry.
What inspired you to pursue a digital apprenticeship?
I wanted to pursue a digital apprenticeship because I’ve always been passionate about technology from a young age. I wanted a path that combined hands-on experience while still advancing my learning with a digital apprenticeship offered the perfect balance.
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship journey so far?
The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship journey so far has been the growth I have seen in my contribution to projects, as I gain more skills and confidence I have been offer more and that has been something I have found very rewarding.
Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?
A project I am proud of is the project I am working on currently, it has been a significant challenge with the scope of this project, but seeing this project finally begin the final stages, has been very rewarding and validating.
What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
A skill that has enhance throughout my journey has been my communication skills, seeing my ability to communicate with other colleagues in the bank increase and the confidence in myself increase has been a great surprise.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your apprenticeship?
Asking for help is a very crucial skill when going on apprentice journey and is crucial to your development.
Who would you like to thank or acknowledge for supporting your journey?
I would like to thank the other apprentices within Virgin Money they enhanced the apprentice journey significantly. I would also like to thank my team within Virgin Money, without their support this wouldn’t have been possible, I have gained invaluable skills and knowledge from working with them.
What advice would you give to future apprentices aiming for excellence?
My advice is asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it shows a great strength.
What’s next for you in your career or learning journey?
My advice is asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it shows a great strength.
Kausar Member, BPP School of Tech
L6 Digital Technology Solutions
BCS Awards Finalist – Cyber Apprentice of the Year
How did it feel to be named a finalist in the BCS awards?
Honestly, I was happily surprised to be named a finalist — it wasn’t something I expected! However, it felt incredibly rewarding to have my work recognised by my university coach and line manager. It was a proud moment that reminded me how far I’ve come and motivated me to keep striving for excellence.
What inspired you to pursue a digital apprenticeship?
At the time, I knew I wanted to start building real-world experience rather than going down the traditional uni route. I was still figuring out exactly what area I wanted to go into, but I knew I was interested in tech and how it shapes the world we live in. A digital apprenticeship felt like the best of both worlds – I could earn a qualification while learning on the job, gaining practical skills and figuring out where I fit in such a fast-moving industry!
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship journey so far?
The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship journey so far has been the opportunity to directly apply the concepts and skills I learn at uni to my role. In particular, communicating complex data and risks to stakeholders has been invaluable. By clearly explaining compliance metrics and their implications for business outcomes, I have helped teams better understand and manage security controls, which has strengthened our security posture and enhanced client trust. Being able to learn and work simultaneously allows me to immediately put theory into practice, deepening my understanding and making my learning more meaningful. This integration of theory and practice motivates me to keep growing and contributing to the organisation’s ongoing success.
Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?
I’m especially proud of creating a standardised Information Security Questionnaire (ISQ) template that’s available across multiple projects on my account. I designed and implemented it to align with client expectations, internal security policies, and contractual requirements. It’s become a centralised, reusable resource that has improved the quality and consistency of proposal responses – even contributing to the success of a major bid. While putting it together, I found myself using a lot of what I’d learned from uni – especially from the Governance & Compliance learnings and what we had covered around good project documentation. The work was really well received and felt like a meaningful contribution beyond my usual day-to-day tasks.
What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
I didn’t come from a very technical background, so I initially found areas like software engineering quite challenging. But through the support of my lecturers and the structure of the course, I was able to learn a lot more than I expected. Over time, I’ve grown more confident in my technical abilities, and now I feel much more comfortable tackling coding tasks or technical projects that I would have avoided at the start!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your apprenticeship?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned during my apprenticeship is to always think bigger – not just about my day-to-day tasks but how everything fits into the bigger tech picture. Keeping an eye on new trends and what’s happening in the industry helps me see how my work connects to the organisation’s goals and the wider tech world. This mindset keeps me curious, adaptable, and ready to make a real impact.
Who would you like to thank or acknowledge for supporting your journey?
I’d love to give a big thank you to my uni coach, Bethany Lockett, who’s been there for me since day one – her support has made a huge difference throughout this journey. And of course, to the five amazing girls I’ve shared this apprenticeship with – they’ve lifted me up, encouraged me, and inspired me every step of the way (they know who they are!)
What advice would you give to future apprentices aiming for excellence?
Embrace learning outside your comfort zone: Apprenticeships are all about growth, so say yes to new opportunities, tackle challenges head-on, and don’t hesitate to ask for help – that’s where the real learning happens.
What’s next for you in your career or learning journey?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing in the cybersecurity domain while also exploring opportunities in UX/UI design — it’s something I’m really interested in right now. I want to keep learning about emerging tech trends and how different areas like security and UX/UI can work together to create better experiences. It’s all about staying curious and open, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me!
Off The Job - Staff Spotlight
Sarah Monk, ICT Coach
Please explain your job role
I coach ICT/DST and IT sales apprentices,
all the while maintaining and building positive client relationships., I work with varying ages, technical knowledge and abilities and capabilities and create bespoke materials and learning to accommodate all needs. I also working with and accommodate SEN learners for positive outcomes. The whole job involves a lot of (military style) and rigid time management but also having to work incredibly flexibly to accommodate employers and apprentices with calls and 1-1’s, it’s a busy and fast-paced and challenging environment.
What inspired you to work in education?
It wasn’t a set vocation of mine. I worked in IT but fell into IT assessing by assessing coursework for a completely unrelated business model initially. However, I discovered I really quite enjoyed it and I have been doing it ever since.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role?
The most memorable would be around 2 months ago, where an apprentice made me cry on a call, the first time in 20 years an apprentice made me cry (with happiness)
I gave him his distinction grade, and he initially ran away and left me sat on the call on my own, but eventually he came back and sat and quietly sobbed for a long time. He said that before the apprenticeship things weren’t going well for him personally, he was in with the wrong crowd and his life was going downhill. He joined the apprenticeship and initially did the work but then he lost interest, started going back into his old ways again and his life was starting to slide again. He said that since I took him over he had found inspiration and motivation to carry on and started to work hard and appreciated the weekly 1-1 we had and that it was me keeping him accountable. The distinction meant the world to him and gained confidence in his abilities.
This is the sole reason I and my colleagues do this. To make a positive difference and a life changing difference to someone, somewhere.
Whilst it might be hard to remember a time when you weren’t dedicating your life to the BPP Education Group, please tell us about the most interesting job you have had?
I think it may be related to my 1st apprenticeship many years ago. I was working in Retail but was positioned in a garage and learnt about car parts, how to change brakes, do servicing on cars etc which came in useful long term
What would be your ultimate meal?
Egg on toast with watermelon afterwards, I just love egg on toast!
What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time?
The Green mile must be my favourite movie, coming in close 2nd will be the Matrix Trilogy and then Games of Thrones
If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why?
I wouldn’t, I don’t watch them at all and would never take part in one
If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?
Professional Pina Colada taster in Bermuda / Mauritius
What do you like to do with your weekends?
On weekends, I love diving into DIY projects, whether it’s tackling home improvements, building something from scratch, or just fixing things around the house. There’s something so satisfying about getting hands-on and seeing a project come together.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I walk the dogs and manage my woodland, I have a couple of acres of ancient woodland and I seem to spend all of my time forever clearing up branches and sticks it seems, I use them to make dead-hedges and paths and I saving up for a nice composting toilet and a T shed at the moment. We have Roe deer, Muntjac Deer, Badgers, Foxes, Rabbits and a resident pheasant who we called Larry.
Jordan Whitworth,
Recruitment Consultant Apprenticeship Coach
Please explain your job role
The reason I love working in recruitment is because of how diverse and in-depth the role can be. No two days ever feel the same. Usually, I’m carefully reviewing CVs, assessing experience, skills, and potential to determine which candidates are truly the best fit for a vacancy. Other days, I’m meeting with clients to understand their business, culture, and specific hiring needs, so I can represent them accurately and confidently. What I enjoy most, though, is being that first point of contact for candidates. Making that initial call, introducing them to an opportunity that could genuinely shape their career, and seeing their excitement grow is something I take real pride in. It’s easily my favourite part of the job and a big reason why recruitment feels so rewarding to me.
What inspired you to work in education?
I’ve worked in education for over 3 years now and education to me means the start of someone’s career, a change for someone who thought they knew what they wanted to do or upskilling an already acquired skillset. Being a part of this journey is exciting and inspiring.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role?
The most memorable I’d say was presenting for the first time in front of a classroom full of 6th Form students at Ilkley Grammar. It was my first time public speaking and made me realise the passion I had for my current role and what we do here at BPP. Butterflies were an understatement beforehand! Since the presentation, I have taken part in the Leeds Career Fair Event in September and will hopefully be attending the event in February.
What would be your ultimate meal?
Probably the hardest question that I wasn’t looking forward to – I love too much food!
It would have to be Toad in the Hole with Sticky Toffee Pudding for desert. Mega.
What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time?
I love the Harry Potter series of films but one film I could watch on repeat is Interstellar.
If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why?
I’d love to do The Traitors with how into it I get at home but I fear my laughing when attempting to lie would get me a quick exit.
If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?
My dream job when I was 11 was to be a footballer so absolutely that. For the love of the game and how much they get paid too!
What do you like to do with your weekends?
Weekends are family time for me. My near 2-year-old daughter, Sienna, loves the park and soft play so it’s usually me or her Mum chasing her round for hours on end and regretting later with sore legs & sore backs!
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I recently took part in a supercar driving experience which saw me behind the wheel of a Lamborghini. It was a sad reality with it being 2-minutes around a track and not being able to drive the car home but maybe one day if I suddenly win the lottery.
Shaun McDonald, Head
of Training – Technology Apprenticeships
Please explain your job role
I manage the Tech Apps Tutor Team, which consists of 22 Tutors teaching on all the standards that fall into Technology Apprenticeships (Levels 3 – 5) across the Education Group at BPP, Estio and Firebrand
What inspired you to work in education?
When I was at University, I did not have best of Tutors in Computer Animation and thought I can do better… so I did and started my Tutoring with Learn Direct before moving onto teach commercially (and travelling all over). Returning into Education Sector where I took the role of Lead Trainer and then transitioned into Head of Delivery and Student Welfare before joining BPP/Estio as a Skills Coach before becoming the Head of Training.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had doing your current role?
Helping the Tech App Tutor Team grow and flourish and supporting the transition of the Team’s formation as originally Tutors were from SoT, Estio and Firebrand.
Whilst it might be hard to remember a time when you weren’t dedicating your life to the BPP Education Group, please tell us about the most interesting job you have had?
Alongside my amazing job with BPP I am currently contracted with Electronic Arts where I have worked on the FIFA (now FC) franchise since 2007. I am a Managing Editor so its my job to ensure the players look as they do in real life from their hairstyles to the boots they wear along with their in game attributes (Yes for those of you that play, it’s my fault a player is so fast when in reality they are not at all!) Over the last 12 months I have also worked on NHL 25 and Skate. Currently testing a brand-new game play mode for FC27. All of this takes up most Tuesday/Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons, but I do have the unique excuse of needing to watch football on a regular basis.
What would be your ultimate meal?
Traditional Mozzarella Pizza on the cobbled streets of Naples followed by a slice of Lemon Cheesecake
What’s your favourite TV show or movie of all time?
TV – Very close between Stranger Things and Game of Thrones
Film – Infinity War/Endgame or The Dark Knight
If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you pick and why?
Its not on in the UK but I would pick Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and see if I can emulate Cam Newtons jump on the helicopter.
If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?
Professional Footballer (Winger) / American Footballer (Wide Receiver) or a Driver for Porsche in the GT World Challenge
What do you like to do with your weekends?
Spend time with my wife and 3 Children.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Raced in the Hot Hatch series at Donington Park and Stock Car racing at Rockingham speedway.
Lunch and Learn Masterclasses
Once a month we host masterclass sessions that are offered to all our learners. The Masterclass sessions are an opportunity for learners to explore other technical topics outside of their standard apprenticeships and further their career development. The following Masterclasses are available for booking onto for January through to June. Please just swipe/click through the flyers below and scan the QR code to book online.
Performance & Impact Sessions
We provide value-added Performance & Impact Sessions through our Careers Team. These sessions are designed to enhance personal and professional development, complementing the core apprenticeship standards. These sessions help apprentices build confidence, develop essential workplace skills, and prepare for long-term career success. The following sessions are available for booking onto for February to April. Please just swipe/click through the flyers below and scan the QR code to book online.
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BPP The School of Technology’s thought leadership hub. Join us as we explore how technology shapes real business, demystifying AI, data, and digital transformation through engaging articles and the TechSphere podcast.
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