A Slough journalist who works for Sky News has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at a leading industry awards ceremony. 

The NCTJ Awards for Excellence, organised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), saw reporters recognised for going above and beyond. 

Amrit Singh Mann bagged one of the biggest honours after coming away named Apprentice of the Year 2024.

The former Khalsa Secondary Academy student joined Sky News as a trainee in 2021, straight after completing his A-levels.  

Before joining the 24-hour news powerhouse, the 21 year old served as a member of the UK Youth Parliament and represented his constituency of Slough for five years. 

Sharing the news of his triumph on social media, Mr Mann said: “Delighted to have won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Awards. 

“Very proud to see my hard work and commitment to become a trusted and well-rounded journalist recognised. 

“But the success wouldn’t have been possible without the fabulous support I’ve received at Sky News and PA Media Academy - Thank You!” 

Mr Mann went to Khalsa Primary School in Slough before moving up to Khalsa Secondary Academy in Stoke Poges.

He then studied at Global Academy in Hayes, a specialist college focusing on roles in the media industry. 

His former tutor Sean Howe, of PA Media Academy, celebrated the news, posting to social media: “[I am] delighted to see Amrit Singh Mann’s hard work rewarded in this way and I hope his success today will be an inspiration to others determined to break into journalism and make a difference. 

“[It has] been a privilege to have you as part of my cohort Amrit and delighted to have had a small role to play in your journalism career. But it was you who did all the hard work. Shine bright and tell the stories that need to be told.” 

Through his journalism, Mr Mann has shared a deep interest and passion in representing under-served communities and under-represented issues. 

He was also recognised at the British Sikh Awards 2023, where he won the Media, Arts and Cultural Awareness Award. 

Slough MP, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has previously commended Mr Mann for his work at Sky News. 

Mr Dhesi said: “You can’t be what you can’t see! So I’m really pleased that Amrit Singh Mann, a dastaar wearing Sikh from Slough, who has worked hard to achieve in mainstream media, is being given this opportunity by Sky. 

“Both Amrit and Sky need to be commended, because representation matters - it will doubtless inspire others to reach such heights.”