The annual event, held at the DoubleTree Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, on June 11, saw prizes presented in 14 award categories, showcasing the outstanding contributions of apprentices, employers and training providers across North Yorkshire, and recognising the vital role they play in developing future talent and supporting the region’s economy.
An awards spokesperson said: “Through dedication, ambition and hard work, they are building strong foundations for the future while making a meaningful impact within their industries.
“As the innovators, leaders and skilled workforce of tomorrow, they continue to inspire those around them and showcase the true value of apprenticeships.
“Apprentices prove that it is possible to rise to the top, driving change and innovation in their workplaces while making significant contributions to the local economy.
“This celebration marks the achievements of a generation that is breaking barriers, investing in themselves and playing a vital role in regional growth.
“We thank everyone who supports these rising stars, and to those embracing apprenticeships, for their contributions benefit us all.
“A special thank you to our esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry experts, who diligently reviewed every nomination to determine this year’s finalists and eventual winners. The judging process was meticulous, reflecting the high calibre of submissions received across the region.”
The judging panel consisted of:
Adrian O'Neill, work and skill interchange co-ordinator - York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA).
Thomas Lupton, quality and compliance director - Econ Engineering.
Annette Hobson, regional membership manager - Make UK.
Aida Yousefabadi, apprenticeship assessor and compliance coach - Leeds College of Building.
Fiona Gamwell, business support manager and apprentice ambassador - Hudson Contract.
Speaking on the night, Greg Wright, deputy business editor of The Yorkshire Post, said: “Tonight we celebrate the dynamic and enterprising employers and individuals who are driving economic growth in Yorkshire.
“Apprenticeships bridge the massive gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. They change lives by offering a unique formula: you earn while you learn.
“Instead of graduating with thousands of pounds of student debt, apprentices enter the workforce earning a wage from day one, while simultaneously gaining respected qualifications.
“For businesses, apprenticeships are not just a nice gesture; they are an economic necessity. They allow industries to build a highly skilled workforce from the ground up, filling vital skills gaps and bringing fresh, innovative perspectives into the workplace.
“Apprenticeships prove that practical skills are just as valuable as academic ones. They build confidence, drive economic growth and offer everyone – regardless of their background – a direct, accessible ladder to professional success.
“Let us continue to invest in, celebrate, and elevate apprenticeships. They are not a secondary choice; they are a first-class ticket to a successful career.”
A raffle on the night raised £1,712 for the event’s charity partner, The Principle Trust Children's Charity, who provide free respite breaks for children across Yorkshire facing adverse childhood experiences.
The event was hosted by award-winning presenter Rich Williams.
Here is the full list of winners:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Derwent Training
Winner: Tom McBain, Askham Bryan College.
Highly Commended: Blake Arliss, Smith & Rhodes Butchers and Bakers, and Jake Fisher, WJ Richardson.
Advanced Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Yorkshire Water
Winner: Isaac Clark, eProductivity Software UK Ltd.
Highly Commended: Rocco Lilley, William Hare.
Higher Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Thomas 'Patrick' Steel, North Baltic Apprenticeships.
Highly Commended: Luka Jobson, NYHighways.
Degree Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Louise Green, Aqua Consultants.
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Made Smarter
Winner: Sam Welch, York College and University Centre.
Highly Commended: Owen Parsons, GS Hydro.
Construction Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Joe Robson, NYHighways.
Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Wendy Whiston, North Yorkshire Council.
Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by York St John University
Winner: Kieran Graham, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Professional Services Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Donna Jones, Network Rail.
Apprentice Ambassador
Winner: Thomas Burton, York St John University.
Mentor of the Year
Winner: Amy Morton, North Yorkshire Council.
SME Employer of the Year
Winner: Follifoot Riding Centre.
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Apprenticeship Programme - North Yorkshire Council.
Training Provider/Programme of the Year
Winner: Qualification Delivery Team - North Yorkshire Council.
1/ 4