The winner of the Portsmouth Apprentice Bus 2026 design competition – which will mark the city’s centenary celebrations – has been announced.
After a call out to Level 2/3 Art & Design students at City of Portsmouth College, a panel of judges has chosen Anya Nicole Valz as the worthy winner of the full bus wrap design, which celebrates apprenticeships as a route into employment.
Narrowly missing the coveted top spot were a cohort of talented finalists including Blesses Pedzeni, Amy Clements and Lee Davis.
The transformed Stagecoach city bus will go live in February 2026 and will be officially launched during National Apprenticeship Week.
Orla Crean, Curriculum Manager for Visual Arts & Media at City of Portsmouth College, said: “This year’s theme, Portsmouth Opportunity – PO, couldn’t be more fitting – what an opportunity it has been for our students. We were extremely impressed with the standard of work submitted. Each design showed huge imagination, technical skill and a real sense of pride in our city. Opportunities like this give students invaluable real-world experience, a platform to shine, and the confidence to pursue bigger creative ambitions.”
The competition was delivered in collaboration with Mountjoy, Portsmouth Creates, Shaping Portsmouth, Solent Careers Hub, Portsmouth City Council, Stagecoach, Media Fleet, Comserv and HTP Apprenticeship College.
Once unveiled, the Apprenticeship Bus will travel across the city to inspire young people to explore the wide range of exciting career pathways available through apprenticeships. It will visit Admiral Lord Nelson School, ARK Charter Academy, Castle View Academy, Mayfield School, Miltoncross Academy, Priory School, Springfield School, St Edmund’s Catholic School, The Portsmouth Academy and Trafalgar School.
Simon Ingram is the Managing Director and Owner of Mountjoy said: “The level of skill shown by students at City of Portsmouth College has been fantastic to see. It’s a privilege to work in partnership with organisations from across the city and a range of sectors to give young people the chance to design something that will be seen throughout Portsmouth. We look forward to unveiling Anya’s final design during National Apprenticeship Week, and would like to thank everyone who took part, especially our incredible finalists.”
We look forward to sharing more about the bus in 2026!
Left to right: Anya Nicole Valz, Amy Clements, Blesses Pedzen, Lee Davis, Gemma Nichols, Simon Ingram, Paul Marsh (Express FM), David Lycett
