Successes celebrated at the NTU Apprenticeship Awards 2023

The event recognised the achievements of both apprentices and their mentors, showcasing the special contributions made by nominees across multiple industries.

Awards were presented across twelve categories, from a shortlist of nominees reviewed by a panel of independent judges from employers and representative bodies.

Nominators were asked to evidence the outstanding contribution an apprentice had made to the business, or likewise, the commitment to championing apprenticeships to drive workforce development or talent acquisition shown by the employer themselves.

Elliot has the EDGE

There was cause for a double celebration for Elliot Holloway of EDGE Property Solutions, who scooped the prize for Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Construction and Engineering, alongside the Overall Apprentice of the Year award.

Elliot, currently enrolled on the Level 6 Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveyor pathway) apprenticeship, impressed the judges with a ‘willingness to go above and beyond’ leading them to observe that his, ‘level of commitment, contribution and achievement was a pleasure to read about'.

Upon receiving his awards, Elliot said, 'It feels surreal - I was over the moon to be shortlisted, and then to go on and win in the Construction and Engineering category was a great achievement in itself. To win Overall Apprentice of the Year too - I couldn't be happier.'

'To anyone considering a degree apprenticeship, I would 110% encourage them to go down that route. From the on-the-job experience, alongside the background knowledge from University, I have seen a big improvement in the work I have produced. NTU has been great in answering queries and giving us time whenever we need it.'

A full list of winners can be seen below.

First Year Apprentice of the Year - Hannah Jones, Experian

Hannah was described by the judges as ‘a brilliant example of a trailblazer’ with ‘a genuine passion and commitment to the industry'. Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree apprentice Hannah was also described as, ‘a true credit to the software engineering industry'.

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Public Services – Abi Gilbert, Witham and Humber Drainage Boards

Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree apprentice Abigail Gilbert was crowned the Outstanding Apprentice in the Public Services category. Showing fantastic career progression and making a substantial impact to her apprenticeship employer, Abigail is tipped to have a very bright future.

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Food Manufacturing & Service Industries - David Taylor, Supply Pilot

Described as 'dynamic and inspirational', Level 7 Senior Leader apprentice David impressed the panel with evidence of impact and on personal development. This was backed up by evidence of consistently high academic achievements.

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Financial, Legal & Business Services - Jessica Aguirre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

A Level 7 Solicitor apprentice, Jessica was commended for her ‘progression, commitment and impact’ which made her a worthy winner of the award. Additionally, the judging panel were hugely impressed that Jessica’s eye for detail has saved Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; ‘significant time and money'.

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Health, Education and Care - Chris Pritchard, NTU

Showing that ‘no challenge is too great to overcome to achieve results', Christopher was the clear winner in this category. An apprentice that was described as, ‘a joy to work with', Christopher was also chosen following feedback that illustrated he was able to produce the; ‘level of genuine care that our NHS needs'.

Apprentice Mentor of the Year - Ottiley Baker, Derbyshire County Council

Ottiley was recognised by the panel as an 'outstanding mentor', displaying all of the key traits to be a successful leader. A long-term advocate of apprenticeships, Ottiley showed, ‘a strong conviction for promoting opportunities’ and ‘instilled a sense of independence in her apprentices'.

Equality and Diversity Award - J Tomlinson Limited

Showcasing a proactive approach towards Equality and Diversity, J Tomlinson won this award after recognising a lack of diversity within their sector. Seeing this as an opportunity for change, the business decided to set an example to channel and promote diversity within their own workforce. As a result, they have noticed a positive impact on employee retention.

Apprentice Employer of the Year, Small Enterprise - One Roof Leicester

One Roof Leicester were unanimously chosen as the Small Enterprise winner due to their appreciation of the impact that apprenticeships have on stakeholders across the business. To support this, they have built a 5-year strategic plan and increased their training budget, to enable more professional development opportunities for apprentices.

Apprentice Employer of the Year, Medium Enterprise - RJA Consultants

In the Medium Enterprise category, the judges awarded RJA Consultants the prize, after the business was able to showcase that ‘recruiting and training apprentices is instrumental to their successful growth'. In addition, the judges highlighted the strategies which have been put in place to support the wellbeing of apprentices, including a pastoral mentor.

Apprentice Employer of the Year, Large Enterprise - East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

EMAS took home the award for Large Enterprise for going above and beyond in supporting apprentices across various pathways. Noting the professionalism and commitment to raising the experience of apprentice, the judges were also impressed by the business’ implementation of an additional week’s study to allow apprentices to prepare for assessments.

A huge congratulations to all of our winners and also to all of the nominees.

For more information on NTU Apprenticeships, please visit ntu.ac.uk/apprenticeships or email apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.