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 will take place at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester on Thursday 12 February 2026. Shortlisted award nominees in selected categories will be invited to attend so please hold this date in your diary.
Nominations are now closed and we are delighted to share our final shortlist.
Thanks to those who submitted nominations for outstanding apprentices, employers and university staff. The team have been overwhelmed by the quality of nominations and the positive impact of apprentices and their supporters.
Explore our shortlist
Construction and Surveying Apprentice of the Year
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.
The nominated individuals demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and role in the built environment sector.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- Cavan Donnelly, RECOM Solutions (Construction Site Supervisor apprentice)
- Harry Vaughton, Wates Construction Ltd, (Construction Project Management apprentice)
- Rebecca Procter, Turner & Townsend (Chartered Surveyor apprentice)
Engineering Apprentice of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.
The nominated individuals demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and roles in the built environment sector.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- Alex Old, Amey PLC (Civil Engineering apprentice)
- Bradley Burkert (Civil Engineering apprentice)
- Harriet Atkinson, Renaissance (Civil Engineering apprentice)
Biomedical Science Apprentice of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals currently undertaking a Biomedical Science Apprenticeship within the School of Science, Engineering and Environment.
Nominated apprentices demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication to both their academic studies and their practical work within the laboratory or healthcare setting.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- Ella Jones, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Biomedical Science apprentice)
- Natalie Thomas, Renaissance (Biomedical Science apprentice)
- Paul McCormick, Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust (Biomedical Science apprentice)
Policing Apprentice of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking the Police Constable degree apprenticeship.
The nominated individuals shown a great level of enthusiasm and commitment to their role in making a positive difference to their local community.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- Luke Rawcliffe, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable degree apprentice)
- 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
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.
Nominated individuals shown a great level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and role in improving the health and wellbeing of those they support.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- Holly Anderson, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Physiotherapy apprentice)
- Kathryn Reynolds, Salford City Council (Public Health apprentice)
- Matthew Purcell, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Physiotherapy apprentice)
Nursing Apprentice of the Year
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.
Nominated individuals shown a great level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and role in providing exceptional patient care as part of their healthcare team.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- 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)
- Katie Connor, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner apprentice)
Business Apprentice of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who are currently undertaking an apprenticeship in the Salford Business School. Programmes include Associate Project Manager and Senior Leader.
Nominated individuals shown a great level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and role within their organisation.
Shortlisted apprentices:
- Hannah Bagshaw, BNY (Chartered Manager Degree apprentice)
- Lee Bishop, BNY (Chartered Manager Degree apprentice)
- Veronika Torres Rondon, BNY (Chartered Manager Degree apprentice)
Alumni Apprentice of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have completed their apprenticeship.
Nominated individuals shown a demonstrable commitment to progression in their career and positive impact in their role since completing their apprenticeship.
Shortlisted alumni:
- Carly Gallagher, Greater Manchester Police (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship)
- Emma Moss, Russell WBHO (Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship)
- Shannon Rogose, University of Salford (Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship)
Apprentice Mentor / Line Manager of the Year
This category celebrates individuals who have provided invaluable support to apprentices as a Line Manager or mentor in the workplace.
These nominees have supported an apprentice through challenges or provided additional learning opportunities and have made a significant impact on the apprentice's experience and ability to succeed.
Shortlisted Mentors:
- Elizabeth Matthews, Greater Manchester Police
- Jaclyn Proctor, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Paul Evans, Atkins Realis
SME Apprentice Employer of the Year
This category celebrates small or medium-sized employers that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing apprentices within their organisation.
Shortlisted SME:
- Bluegyp Ltd
- Dragonfly Contracts Ltd
- MGF
Large Employer of the Year
This category celebrates large employers that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing apprentices within their organisation.
Shortlisted large employer:
- Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
- NG Bailey
- Russell WBHO
- William Hare
Learning and Development Coach/support colleague of the Year
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.
Nominated individuals shown a real passion for helping apprentices navigate their working and learning journey and a commitment to ensuring all apprentices reach their potential.
Shortlisted Learning and Development Coaches:
- Lindsey Fanning, School of Health and Society
- Shannon Rogose, School of Health and Society
- Zophie Horsted, School of Health and Society
Apprenticeship Programme Lead of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding Programme Leads who, from planning to delivery, ensure apprentices receive the support they need to fulfill their potential.
Those nominated shown a passion and commitment in their role to enable apprentices to succeed.
Shortlisted Apprenticeship Programme Lead of the Year:
- Bethan Haeney (Physiotherapy)
- Nicole Blythe (Student Nursing Associate)
- Paul McCurry (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship)
Apprenticeship Programme Team of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding Programme Teams who, from planning to delivery, ensure apprentices receive the support they need to fulfill their potential.
Nominated teams shown a passion and commitment in their role to enable apprentices to succeed.
Shortlisted Apprenticeship Programme Team of the Year:
- Advance Clinical Practice
- Student Nursing Associate
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
Good luck to all our nominees
Congratulations to shortlisted apprentices, alumni, employers and university staff. We're looking forward to celebrating your hard work and commitment at our awards ceremony on Thursday 12 February.
In the meantime, relive this year's Apprenticeship Awards below.