A Suffolk apprenticeship graduate has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising outstanding achievement.
Xenia Zimmerman, a BT digital engineer who completed her degree apprenticeship at the University of Suffolk, has been named a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Apprenticeship Guide Awards.
She completed the Level 6 BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering) degree apprenticeship last year, graduating with first class honours at the university’s October ceremony on Ipswich Waterfront.
Xenia was employed by BT throughout her studies and has since remained with the company, now working as a subsea network engineering professional.
Her role involves maintaining critical underwater cable infrastructure connecting the UK mainland with islands, Europe and beyond.
The award shortlisting recognises Xenia’s technical ability and contribution to her team.
During her apprenticeship, she independently managed a full regression test project for a core network router upgrade, work usually carried out by more experienced engineers.
She also played a key role in knowledge-sharing sessions, project leadership and staff engagement initiatives.
Xenia said: “I feel very happy and honoured to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year.
“I didn’t have a technical background before starting the apprenticeship and felt like I had a lot of catching-up when I first started.
“Now that I have completed my apprenticeship, it is rewarding to have my hard work recognised with this shortlisting.”
Xenia began her apprenticeship with no previous coding experience but quickly developed her skills, achieving the highest dissertation score in her cohort.
The awards ceremony will take place on April 30 in Leeds.
Yvonne Malpass, director of apprenticeships at the University of Suffolk, added: “Xenia’s shortlisting for the Apprentice of the Year Award is richly deserved, and we are delighted her efforts have been recognised.
“We wish her every success at the awards and in her future career.”
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