Defence Academy hosts 2026 Tom Nevard competition

The annual Tom Nevard Memorial Competition returned to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, continuing its proud tradition of celebrating outstanding apprentices from across the MoD.

This year, 85 apprentices took part, competing over five days across five challenge categories that showcased the breadth of their talent.

How the event serves to support apprentices and explore their contributions

Jo Osburn-Hughes, Director People, National Armaments Director Group, said: “I am incredibly proud of all our apprentices who took part in this year’s Tom Nevard Competition. The event provides a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and showcase their capabilities.

“It also enables apprentices across the enterprise and the NAD Group to learn more about the Defence enterprise, think about their individual and collective contributions, network and build strong relationships. Their achievements are a testament to the breadth of talent across the NAD Group and a powerful demonstration of the contribution our people make to Defence.”

The winners at this year’s Tom Nevard Memorial Competition

This year’s challenge categories and winners were:

The Group Challenge
Teams of engineering and project delivery apprentices worked together to design, build and test pedal-powered quad bikes using recycled bicycle parts. The challenge encouraged innovation and teamwork.

Winners: Katharine Bryce (NAD Group, Project Delivery Apprentice), Shefali Shinde (NAD Group, Engineering Degree Apprentice), Francis Wellborn (NAD Group, Engineering Degree Apprentice), Libby Jameson (Naval Base Commander (NBC) Devonport Apprentice), Billy Abraham (Ships Delivery Group (SDG) Waterfront Apprentice)

The Digital Challenge
Teams of apprentices tackled cyber and technology-focused activities, working together to solve technical problems and complete digital security tasks.

Winners: Chloe Taylor (NAD Group, Digital Degree Apprentice), Jacob Newson (NAD Group, Digital Degree Apprentice), and Rahul Mayor (NAD Group, Digital Degree Apprentice)

The Energetics Challenge
Working in pairs, apprentices designed, manufactured and tested engineering products using workshop machinery and handheld tools.

Winners: Aled Orme (NAD Group, Engineering Degree Apprentice), Joshua Williams (NBC Devonport Apprentice)

The Director’s Challenge
Designed specifically for first-year apprentices, the Director’s Challenge tasked participants with creating a detailed scale model of a Sten Mark II submachine gun using traditional manufacturing methods and handheld tools.

Winners: Fred Escudero-Neighbour (National Armament Director (NAD) Group, Engineering Degree Apprentice)

Non-Engineering Challenge
Running throughout the competition, this challenge introduced non-engineering apprentices to engineering principles through practical workshops, team projects and the design and construction of air cannons.

Winners: Sophie Webster (NAD Group, Chartered Management Degree Apprentice), Tom Firth (NAD Group, Digital Degree Apprentice)

Why the event opens up opportunities for apprentices across defence

Among the apprentice’s taking part were Aryan Aggarwal, a NAD Group Engineering Apprentice and Katie Vara, a Project Delivery apprentice who reflected on their experience.

Photo: NAD / Defence Academy

Aryan said: “I’ve learnt that precision isn’t about getting everything perfect on the first try, it’s about adapting under pressure and overcoming challenges. This has been a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on in the workshops and labs, network and meet apprentices from across the UK Ministry of Defence.”

Photo: NAD / Defence Academy

Katie said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to immerse yourself, put your learning into practice and develop new skills. For me, the best part was seeing all the hard work come together, knowing it was the result of problem-solving, creativity and teamwork.”

Developing skills and building foundations for career development

Established in 1952, the competition honours Tom Nevard, Assistant Secretary of the Labour Branch at the Ministry of Supply. Originally held in Glasgow, it moved to the Defence Academy in 2014 and has since expanded to include apprentices from a wide range of specialisms.

This year’s judging panel included Stephen Wilcock, Director of Engineering and Safety within the NAD Group.

Reflecting on the competition, Stephen said: “I was delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with our outstanding apprentices from across Defence and to see, first-hand, how they were applying their rich talent and innovative mindset to the challenges they were given.

“The value they invested in teamwork and collaboration was particularly impressive, enabling them to exploit the skills and experience of their whole team in their problem solving.

“As their careers gather momentum, these are the invaluable foundations that success, achievement and fulfilment will grow from. My advice is to enjoy every moment, take pride and ownership of your achievements and move quickly to the next challenge to build the breadth of your experience early in your careers, as it will serve you well later.”