Apprenticeship Awards
Every year, during National Apprenticeship Week, the Apprenticeship Services Unit hosts our annual awards evening to celebrate the exceptional work of our apprentices, employers and programme teams.
This year, our Apprenticeship Awards took place at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester on Thursday 12 February 2026. Shortlisted award nominees in selected categories were invited to attend.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Apprenticeship Awards and submitted nominations, and to the Apprenticeship Services Unit for their hard work in making the event happen. You can explore our worthy winners and shortlist below.
Explore our 2026 winners
Construction and Surveying Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Harry Vaughton
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in construction or surveying. Programmes include Chartered Surveyor - all pathways, Construction Site Supervisor and Construction Project Management.
Also shortlisted:
- Cavan Donnelly, RECOM Solutions (Construction Site Supervisor apprentice)
- Rebecca Procter, Turner & Townsend (Chartered Surveyor apprentice)
Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Bradley Burkert
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.
Also shortlisted:
- Alex Old, Amey PLC (Civil Engineering apprentice)
- Harriet Atkinson, Renaissance (Civil Engineering apprentice)
Biomedical Science Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Ella Jones
This category celebrates outstanding individuals currently undertaking a Biomedical Science Apprenticeship within the School of Science, Engineering and Environment.
Also shortlisted:
- Natalie Thomas, Renaissance (Biomedical Science apprentice)
- Paul McCormick, Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust (Biomedical Science apprentice)
Policing Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Luke Rawcliffe
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking the Police Constable degree apprenticeship.
Also shortlisted:
- Samuel Sagar, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable degree apprentice)
- Sarah O'Toole, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable degree apprentice)
Allied Health Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Matthew Purcell
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in allied health. Programmes include Public Health Practitioner, Healthcare Science Practitioner, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
Also shortlisted:
- Holly Anderson, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Physiotherapy apprentice)
- Kathryn Reynolds, Salford City Council (Public Health apprentice)
Nursing Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Katie Connor
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in nursing. Programmes include Nursing Associate, Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner and Specialist Community Public Health Nurse.
Also shortlisted:
- Daberechi Chikezie, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (Student Nursing Associate apprentice)
- Ikechukwu Onyenaobia, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (Student Nursing Associate apprentice)
Business Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Lee Bishop
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in the Salford Business School. Programmes include Associate Project Manager and Senior Leader.
Also shortlisted:
- Hannah Bagshaw, BNY (Chartered Manager Degree apprentice)
- Veronika Torres Rondon, BNY (Chartered Manager Degree apprentice)
Alumni Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Carly Gallagher
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have completed their apprenticeship.
Also shortlisted:
- Emma Moss, Russell WBHO (Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship)
- Shannon Rogose, University of Salford (Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship)
Apprentice Mentor / Line Manager of the Year
Winner: Elizabeth Matthews
This category celebrates individuals who have provided invaluable support to apprentices as a Line Manager or mentor in the workplace.
Also shortlisted:
- Jaclyn Proctor, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Paul Evans, Atkins Realis
SME Apprentice Employer of the Year
Winner: MGF
This category celebrates small or medium-sized employers that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing apprentices within their organisation.
Also shortlisted:
- Bluegyp Ltd
- Dragonfly Contracts Ltd
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Russell WBHO
This category celebrates large employers that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing apprentices within their organisation.
Also shortlisted:
- Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
- NG Bailey
- William Hare
Learning and Development Coach/support colleague of the Year
Winner: Shannon Rogose
This category celebrates individuals who have provided invaluable guidance to apprentices as a Learning and Development Coach or those who have given their support to an apprentice.
Also shortlisted:
- Lindsey Fanning, School of Health and Society
- Zophie Horsted, School of Health and Society
Apprenticeship Programme Lead of the Year
Winner: Bethan Haeney
This category celebrates outstanding Programme Leads who, from planning to delivery, ensure apprentices receive the support they need to fulfill their potential.
Shortlisted Apprenticeship Programme Lead of the Year:
- Nicole Blythe (Student Nursing Associate)
- Paul McCurry (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship)
Apprenticeship Programme Team of the Year
Winner: Student Nursing Associate
This category celebrates outstanding Programme Teams who, from planning to delivery, ensure apprentices receive the support they need to fulfill their potential.
Also shortlisted:
- Advance Clinical Practice
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
Thank you
Congratulations to our winners, shortlisted apprentices, alumni, employers and university staff. We're looking forward to celebrating 10 years of apprenticeships at the University, so follow along on LinkedIn for the latest updates.