National Apprenticeship Awards winners announced

Top apprentices and leading employers from across the country were awarded for their work last week, in the 13th year of the National Apprenticeship Awards. 

The ‘Nation of Champions’ showcased individual and employer success stories, with businesses and apprentices beating tough competition from across the country to win or be recognised as highly commended in their category.

The ceremony took place at London’s Grosvenor House, and the six winning employers ranged from small employer Ebsford Environmental Ltd to macro employer Mitie Group Plc.

The I-Can Qualifications Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year went to Charlotte Blowers (Exceed); the EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year was given to Adam Sharp (Sellafield Ltd); the Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year went to Holly Broadhurst (J C Bamford Excavators Ltd).

The Premier Inn sponsored Apprentice Champion Award went to John Clarke – a Technical Manager with BT – for his commitment to apprenticeships, which includes working evenings and weekends to organise career seminars and educational visits to inspire BT apprentices to make the most of their programme. John is also chair BT’s Apprentice Alumni, supporting 4,000 former apprentices with their post apprenticeship journey.

“The National Apprenticeship Awards ensure apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve, while shining a light on the fantastic work that both apprentices and their employers do. Congratulations to all the winners - they are champions showcasing how apprenticeships to give everyone the chance to get on.”

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Robert Halfon said: “Apprenticeships work. They give people of all ages and all backgrounds the ladder of opportunity to get paid experience in work and a top class qualification at the same time.

“The National Apprenticeship Awards ensure apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve, while shining a light on the fantastic work that both apprentices and their employers do. Congratulations to all the winners - they are champions showcasing how apprenticeships to give everyone the chance to get on.”

Sue Husband, director at the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards have highlighted once again the magnificent range of apprenticeships on offer - with leading employers in exciting industries - and the skills that apprentices gain when taking on these roles.

“Every year this event gets bigger and better, bringing to the forefront of our minds the importance of apprenticeships to local, regional and national economies. Apprenticeships are for everyone and I personally thank each and every employer and apprentice here tonight, for their commitment to apprenticeships.”