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 13 February 2025. Apprentices, alumni, employer representatives and University staff members came together to recognize the outstanding contributions that individuals are making within our community and the hugely positive impact apprenticeships are having on the University, wider city region and across the North West.
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 2025 award winners
Construction and Surveying Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Louis Shakeshaft, Turner and Townsend (Chartered Surveyor apprentice)
Jack received multiple nominations and was chosen for their exceptional academic performance, professionalism, and drive. Their proactive approach, strong work ethic, and ability to navigate complex projects regularly earn outstanding feedback
Also shortlisted:
- Nathan Donnelly, Turner and Townsend (Chartered Surveyor apprentice)
- Jack McNulty, National Highways (Chartered Surveyor apprentice)
Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Muhammad Uddin, Bethell Construction Ltd (Civil Engineering apprentice)
Muhammad was chosen for their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and their willingness to challenge ideas and contribute fresh perspectives. Their commitment to continuous learning has positively impacted site operations, fostered collaboration and showcased their strong leadership potential.
Also shortlisted:
- Benjamin Maddock, BakerHicks (Civil Engineering apprentice)
- Phoebe Moore, MWH Treatment (Civil Engineering apprentice)
Policing Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Benjamin Hogg, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable apprentice)
Benjamin was chosen for their exceptional bravery and dedication to public safety after saving a stabbing victim’s life and later uncovering a loaded firearm during a routine traffic stop. Their proactive approach, legal knowledge and commitment to safeguarding victims highlight their professionalism, making them an outstanding response officer and a model apprentice.
Also shortlisted:
- George Pickford, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable apprentice)
- Sam Sagar, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable apprentice)
Allied Health Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Louise Annesley, Spire Healthcare (Healthcare Science Practitioner apprentice)
Louise was chosen for their exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment to raising the profile of apprenticeships. Described as a “shining example of what an apprentice can achieve”, their attention to detail, ability to manage tasks and dedication to upholding the highest standards of practice make them an indispensable asset to their organisation.
Also shortlisted:
- Stacy Mullee, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT (Public Health Practitioner apprentice)
- Lorraine Nicholson, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust (Podiatrist apprentice)
Nursing Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Rachel Lord, Northern Care Alliance (Nursing Associate apprentice)
Rachel was chosen for their outstanding professionalism, compassion and communication skills. Rachel thrives in the demanding A&E environment – their dedication to patient-centred care, composure in high-stress situations and contributions to practice improvements make them a valued asset to their team and undoubtedly a future leader in nursing.
Also shortlisted:
- Phoebe Hall, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Nursing Associate apprentice)
- Jess Stone, Northern Care Alliance (Nursing Associate apprentice)
Above and Beyond
Winner: Holly Andersen, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals (Physiotherapist apprentice)
Holly received eight nominations and has consistently exceeded all expectations. Their outstanding clinical skills, commitment to patient care, and achievements - such as identifying a life-threatening condition, creating an award-winning rehab program, and mentoring physiotherapy students - demonstrate their dedication to innovation and excellence, making them a deserving candidate for the Above and Beyond Award.
Also shortlisted:
- Lloyd Mcleggon-Watkinson, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Healthcare Science Practitioner apprentice)
- Lyndon Pillar, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Nursing Associate apprentice)
Apprentice Alumni of the Year
Winner: Oriyomi Aminu, Nursing Associate
Yomi is an inspirational individual, recognized for his excellent work ethic, leadership, and advocacy. Their journey - from award-winning apprentice, to role model and speaker at a Greater Manchester sector Conference - demonstrates perseverance, breaking barriers in a traditionally female-dominated field while setting high standards in care and mentorship. Yomi's commitment to inspiring others also embodies the values of adaptability, perseverance, and dedication to lifelong learning. Their journey exemplifies how apprentices, especially those from diverse backgrounds, can overcome challenges, achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact on their organisations, communities, and professions.
Also shortlisted:
- Connor Hughes, Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveying pathway)
- Spencer Harrison, Chartered Manager
Apprentice Mentor / Line Manager of the Year
Winner: Tricia Jordan, East Lancashire Hospital Trust
Tricia was chosen for their exceptional support of apprentices, going above and beyond to integrate learning with practice. Described as an inspiration, their guidance and dedication builds confidence, empowers apprentices, and helps them to succeed academically and professionally.
Also shortlisted:
- Laura Booker, Northern Care Alliance
- Chelsea Dunleavy, Northern Care Alliance
SME Apprentice Employer of the Year
Winner: MGF
MGF was chosen for their outstanding ‘Grass Routes’ Apprenticeship Programme. This pathway cultivates local engineering talent from high school and takes them through Level 3 onto Level 6-degree apprenticeships here at the University of Salford. This, along with their exceptional work-based support and commitment to developing future engineers, exemplifies the true impact of apprenticeships.
Also shortlisted:
- Property Tectonics
- Park View Group Practice
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was chosen for consistently fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that allows apprentices to thrive. Their dedication to individualised support, particularly for neurodivergent apprentices, has transformed the learning experience. This organisation has created an environment that prioritises understanding and accommodates the diverse needs of apprentices, enabling them to flourish both personally and professionally.
Also shortlisted:
- Northern Care Alliance
- William Hare
- Tilbury Douglas
Learning and Development Coach of the Year
Winner: Hannah Melia, School of Health and Society
Hannah, who received a staggering 12 nominations, was chosen for their ability to make apprentices feel valued, motivated and celebrated. Going above and beyond the standard expectations of a Learning and Development Coach, their dedication, knowledge and unwavering belief in others make them truly one of a kind.
Also shortlisted:
- David Evason, School of Science, Engineering and Environment
- Heidi West, School of Health and Society
Apprenticeship Support Colleague of the Year
Winner: Jennie Sherlock, School of Health and Society
Jennie, who received multiple nominations, was selected for their exceptional leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of our apprenticeship provision. They have developed the Learning and Development Coach team through expert-led CPD, emotional support, and process improvements that ensures our apprentices receive the highest level of support.
Also shortlisted:
- Jonatan Berhane, School of Health and Society
- Debra Jackson, School of Health and Society
Apprenticeship Programme Lead of the Year
Winner: Scott Haverly, Chartered Surveyor (Building Surveying pathway)
Scott was chosen for consistently going above and beyond to support their apprentices - providing guidance that extends far beyond graduation. Their commitment to keeping the curriculum industry-relevant firmly equips apprentices with the skills they need for long and successful careers.
Also shortlisted:
- Bethan Haeney, Physiotherapy
- Tahmina Hussain, Biomedical Science / Healthcare Science Practitioner
Apprenticeship Programme Team of the Year
Winner: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship team was chosen for thriving through change, navigating a successful OFSTED inspection, and providing outstanding apprentice support in a challenging sector. Their dedication and strong relationships ensured the successful graduation of their first apprentices, showcasing resilience and a commitment to excellence.
Also shortlisted:
- Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship
- Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship
Thank you
Thank you to all our shortlisted apprentices, alumni, employers and university staff, as well as their supporters, for attending our 2025 Apprenticeship Awards evening. We are incredibly proud of our community's hard work and outstanding achievements.
National Apprenticeship Week may be over for another year, but we aim to celebrate our apprentices' achievements all year round. If you have good news stories from our apprenticeship community, let our team know by emailing apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk.