We are thrilled to celebrate Sydney Winter, a Level 7 Architectural Apprentice at BoonBrown who recently won the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Award at the Somerset Business Awards 2026.
We had the opportunity to have a chat with Sydney in the lead up to the final about her apprenticeship journey.
How did you feel when you found out you reached the final three for Apprentice of the Year?
Honestly, I was completely surprised. My director had nominated me without telling me, so I didn’t even know I was being considered until I received the news that I’d been shortlisted. To then find out I’d made it from 70 applicants down to the final seven, and eventually the final three, was such an honour. It made me feel really appreciated, not just for the work I do day‑to‑day, but for how far I’ve come on my apprenticeship journey.
What originally inspired you to start your Level 7 apprenticeship at UWE Bristol?
My first experience at UWE during my bachelor’s degree coincided with some really tough years including COVID‑19, living in halls and being away from home during a difficult time for my family. I knew I wanted to continue my path towards becoming an architect but going back into full‑time university just wasn’t the right path for me.
An apprenticeship or part‑time study felt like the only sustainable options, but BoonBrown had never taken on an apprentice before, so it was a completely new concept for the practice. After some conversations (and a bit of convincing), I was incredibly fortunate to have their support to enrol in the Level 7 Apprenticeship.
It turned out to be the best decision. The apprenticeship allowed me to build a stable life while progressing in my career, something that wouldn’t have been possible if I’d been paying for full‑time tuition or moving back to Bristol. During this time I’ve been able to settle, get married, buy a house, and even get a dog, all while moving closer to my goal of becoming an architect.
Can you describe one or two key projects or moments during your apprenticeship that you’re most proud of?
One of the things I’m most proud of throughout my apprenticeship is how much I’ve grown in confidence. When I first started, I tended to sit quietly in client meetings, but over time I’ve pushed myself to become far more involved and now I’m leading my own meetings. I’ve also supported hosting public consultation events, which can be challenging, especially when the feedback isn’t always positive. Learning to handle those situations professionally, calmly, and with confidence has been a huge milestone for me. My presentation skills, communication, and ability to actively listen and respond to clients have all improved massively.
From a project point of view, a standout achievement has been leading a refurbishment of a curtilage‑listed home for a family. I was responsible for guiding the project through the RIBA stages and acting as the Contract Administrator. This meant chairing design team meetings, conducting monthly site visits, issuing architects instructions and providing technical advice on site. Seeing the project completed and seeing the family living happily in their beautifully restored home, was a genuinely proud moment.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve overcome and what have they taught you?
A major challenge was balancing the intensity of full‑time work with the academic demands of a master’s‑level apprenticeship. Learning to juggle deadlines, stay organised, and prioritise effectively has pushed me to grow massively, both as a designer and as a professional.
It also meant adjusting my social life, as many weekends were spent studying, something not everyone always understands. Learning to protect time for myself, set boundaries, and maintain relationships while still meeting the demands of the programme was difficult, but it taught me resilience and discipline.
How has the apprenticeship helped you develop in your role or contribute to your team/organisation?
The apprenticeship has helped me strengthen my technical skills and design thinking while applying everything directly to real‑world projects. Being able to bring new ideas, research, and approaches from my studies straight into the office has made me feel like an active contributor rather than someone simply learning on the side. During year two of the apprenticeship, AI tools began to evolve rapidly. In our university studio sessions we were learning more and more about different platforms and their capabilities. I was able to bring that learning into practice and even delivered a CPD session across both of our offices, sharing knowledge about AI tools and how they could support design workflows.
It has also helped me become more confident in taking responsibility, whether that’s running smaller projects, communicating with clients, or supporting colleagues, the hands on experience alongside studying has been invaluable. I feel far more integrated into the team and much more prepared for the responsibilities of an architect.
How has the support from Emily Kelly and the rest of the Apprenticeship Progress Training Coordinator team at UWE Bristol played a part in your journey?
Emily and the APT team have been a huge part of keeping me grounded and on track. Their check‑ins, guidance, and general reassurance created a real sense of support behind the scenes. It never felt like I was going through the programme alone.
Whether it was helping me navigate deadlines, offering advice when things felt overwhelming, or simply being someone to talk to, their support made a big difference especially during more intense parts of the course. No question was ever a silly question and I always knew Emily would be there to help.
Emily also provided me with opportunities beyond my own studies, from mentoring new apprentices to supporting practices who were exploring the apprenticeship route. Being trusted to help others in that way really boosted my confidence and sense of belonging within the wider apprenticeship community.
What are your aspirations after completing the apprenticeship?
My biggest goal is, of course, to qualify as an architect, but beyond that, I want to continue growing within practice, taking on more responsibility and contributing to meaningful, well‑designed projects. Long‑term, I’d love to become someone who supports others on their own training routes, especially apprentices. Having gone through the process myself, I know how transformative the opportunity can be and I’d love to help others experience the same.
Huge congratulations again to Sydney – we’re excited to see where the future will take her beyond her apprenticeship journey!
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