Vice Lord-Lieutenant Mr Graham Barker DL attended the BCS IT & Digital Apprenticeship Awards, held to celebrate emerging talent and achievement across the digital and technology sectors.

This year’s ceremony held special significance as BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT – marks the 40th anniversary of being granted its Royal Charter. To mark the occasion, Mr Barker was honoured to read a personal message from the Institute’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Kent, reflecting on the organisation’s contributions to the profession over the past four decades.

Mr Barker was also invited to open a golden envelope to announce the recipient of a Special Commendation Award—an honour reserved for one exceptional finalist in this year’s competition.

The event highlighted the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping the future of the digital workforce and celebrated the innovation and promise of the next generation of IT professionals.