Celebrating Our 2026 Early Careers Award Winners
At Bentley Motors, nurturing future talent is central to our vision for innovation and sustainable growth. Each year, our Early Careers Awards recognise individuals who have made an exceptional impact during their time with us.
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Jemima Hollins (Apprentice of the Year), Arabella Alcock (Graduate of the Year) and Libby Harrison (Industrial Placement Student of the Year). Their accomplishments highlight the breadth of talent across our Early Careers programmes and the meaningful contributions they are making to our business.
Apprentice of the Year: Jemima Hollins
Jemima Hollins, a Degree Apprentice in Data Science, has made a significant impact across IT and business functions, developing data-driven solutions including machine learning applications and cloud-based tools that have improved efficiency and decision-making. Her work has helped uncover quality insights earlier, streamline processes, and demonstrate the value of data and AI across the company.
We asked Jemima to share what winning this award means to her, and how has her journey at Bentley helped her achieve this:
"Winning Apprentice of the Year means a huge amount to me, as it reflects the progress I've made throughout my apprenticeship journey at Bentley. When I joined the business at 18, I had no professional experience and was fresh out of school, so being recognised with this award is something I'm incredibly proud of.
My apprenticeship has given me opportunities to learn, challenge myself and develop both professionally and personally. I've been able to complete my degree, work on impactful data science and AI projects, and present my work to senior leaders across Bentley. These experiences have helped me build confidence, develop new skills and grow into the role I have today.
The support and opportunities I've received from Bentley have played a huge part in that journey, and I'm grateful to everyone who has encouraged and supported me along the way."
Graduate of the Year: Arabella Alcock
Arabella Alcock has demonstrated exceptional impact during her graduate journey, contributing to manufacturing, sustainability and transformation initiatives that have improved processes, operational efficiency and environmental practices. Alongside her project work, she has demonstrated strong leadership as Early Careers Co-Chair, helping engage and support a community of more than 250 colleagues across the business.
We asked Arabella what her stand out moment has been and how Bentley helped her achieve these milestones:
"The one thing that stands out to me the most is the delivery of the new factory wide workwear. This involved the co-ordination of over 2500 colleagues collecting their new allocation, increasing the order uptake to 95% and leading Bentley to be the industry first with ESD workwear. Bentley has enabled me to take on this responsibility despite being in the early years of my career which given me the confidence to overcome challenges and deliver it successfully. With the network I have gained, I have been able to communicate plans and requirements across the business to lead to such a streamlined roll out."
Industrial Placement Student of the Year: Libby Harrison
During her placement in the Central Business Process team, Libby Harrison has shown confidence, initiative and strong collaboration skills, contributing to projects focused on cyber security, AI and business transformation. She has also delivered cross-functional workshops, engaged senior stakeholders and presented on cyber resilience to the Board of Management, demonstrating a proactive approach and making a significant impact across the business.
We asked Libby to share what winning this award mean to her both personally and professionally:
“Winning IPOTY means a lot to me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it shows the impact that I have aimed to make during my placement specifically through Cyber Security, AI, Business change and Process Improvement. Personally, I have been very grateful to work in such a supportive, trusting and collaborative team which has allowed me to grow, step outside of my comfort zone, build confidence and have had the opportunity to work with and present to senior stakeholders. I am very proud and this will only motivate me further in my future career to continue driving improvements in everything I do.”
Investing in Future Talent
The achievements recognised at this year's awards demonstrate the exceptional talent within Bentley's Early Careers community and the vital role apprentices, graduates and placement students continue to play in shaping the company's future.
Congratulations to all nominees, finalists and award winners. Your commitment, innovation and impact continue to help drive Bentley's Beyond100+ strategy forward.