Contents
What are the National Apprenticeship Week Awards?
These awards celebrate:
- Our apprentices who are driving positive change in their workplaces, industries, and communities
- Inspirational mentors, academic, and professional services staff who champion and support them
- Employers whose commitment to skills development is transforming lives and making a genuine impact across the region and beyond.
Categories and winners
- Apprentice of the Year
- Community Impact Award
- Employer of the Year
- Research Impact
- Innovation Award
- Rising Star Award
- Tutor of the Year
- Workplace Mentor of the Year
- Wellbeing Champion Award
- Professional Services Award.
Apprentice of the Year
This award celebrates an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional progress in their role. We're looking for individuals who have shown:
- Remarkable skill development
- A strong commitment to their learning and responsibilities
- A tangible positive impact on their organisation.
2026 winner:
Claire Moody, Durham County Council – BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship).
Community Impact Award
This award celebrates apprentices who've made a meaningful difference beyond their role. Whether through company-led initiatives, volunteering, or advocacy work, nominees should show a strong commitment to improving their community or amplifying student voices.
2026 winner:
Jodie Stewart, Northumbrian Water – BSc (Hons) Digital Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship).
Employer of the Year
This award recognises organisations that provide an exceptional experience for their apprentices. Nominees should demonstrate:
- A supportive culture
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- A commitment to the success of their apprenticeship programme.
2026 winner:
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals.
Research Impact
This award recognises apprentices who have effectively integrated research into their practice, resulting in measurable benefits. Nominees should have gone above and beyond, applying insights to drive meaningful outcomes for their organisation or sector.
2026 winner:
Ben Davison, AESC – MBA Senior Leader.
Innovation Award
This award honours apprentices who bring creativity and fresh ideas to their workplace. Nominees should have:
- Contributed innovative solutions
- Demonstrated creative problem-solving
- Introduced unique perspectives that benefit their team or organisation.
2026 winner:
Josh Brown, Northumbrian Water – BSc (Hons) Digital Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship).
Rising Star Award
This award recognises apprentices at the early stages of their journey who exhibit extraordinary promise and potential. Candidates should show noticeable growth, a passion for learning, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges in their roles.
2026 winner:
Josh Brown, Northumbrian Water – BSc (Hons) Digital Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship).
Tutor of the Year
This award recognises tutors who've gone above and beyond to support their apprentices' learning journeys. Nominees should be passionate educators who:
- Inspire success
- Provide personalised guidance
- Equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers.
2026 winner:
Eddie Hai, Lecturer and Clinical Link Tutor for Occupational Therapy.
Workplace Mentor of the Year
This award applauds mentors who've made a significant impact on their apprentices' development. Nominees should exhibit exceptional guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. They should empower apprentices to thrive and succeed in their roles.
2026 winners:
- Chloe Herron – Newcastle Hospitals NHS (Occupational Therapy)
- Sam Banson – Proctor and Gamble (Engineering).
Wellbeing Champion Award
This award recognises apprentices who've shown exceptional compassion, commitment, and professionalism in supporting the wellbeing of others. This may include promoting positive wellbeing:
- Among peers and colleagues
- Within their organisation
- Through their practice with patients, learners, or service users.
2026 winner:
Daniel Mitchell, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Apprenticeship).
Professional Services Award
This award celebrates the dedication and impact of staff who work behind the scenes to make apprenticeships a success. From coordinating courses and managing systems, to offering pastoral, administrative, or operational support, these individuals play a vital role in ensuring every apprentice can thrive. Nominees should demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the success and/or wellbeing of apprentices. They should show initiative, reliability, and a genuine passion for delivering a high-quality experience. Their work may often go unseen, but their contribution is essential to the smooth running and success of apprenticeship provision across the University.
2026 winner:
Rachel Le Quesne, Marketing, Communications and Employer Engagement Lead.
