North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards celebrate rising stars of region's corporate world
Business leaders who are easing Britain’s skills shortages by investing in apprenticeships were honoured at a major awards ceremony.
The Annual North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, held at the DoubleTree Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, recognised outstanding apprentices and the employers and training providers who support them.
In a keynote speech, Greg Wright, deputy business editor of The Yorkshire Post, said that apprenticeships could help to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.
He said the event marks the achievements of a generation breaking barriers and supporting regional growth.
Mr Wright added: “Apprenticeships change lives by offering a unique formula: you earn while you learn.
"Apprentices enter the workforce earning a wage from day one, while gaining respected qualifications.
"For businesses, apprenticeships are not just a nice gesture; they are an economic necessity,’’ Mr Wright added.
“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.”
“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.”
Mr Wright said the success of local apprenticeship schemes offered hope at a time when more than a million young people in Britain are neither working nor learning.
"Faced with skills shortages, companies around Yorkshire have rolled their sleeves up and provided a platform for sectors which are seeking a new talent pipeline,’’ he added.
A raffle raised £1,712 for the event’s charity partner The Principle Trust Children's Charity, which provides free respite breaks for children across Yorkshire facing mental health challenges, illness, disability, trauma, or hardship.
Ann Stanley, Early in Careers Manager, at Yorkshire Water, which is one of the sponsors of the awards, said “Yorkshire Water is an avid supporter of apprenticeships across our region and are delighted to sponsor all four events across Yorkshire and Humber.
"With a total of 235 apprentice colleagues on programme, we understand and admire the commitment, motivation and achievement that is demonstrated by all of them and the nominees for these prestigious awards”.
Here is a full list of the winners for the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Derwent Training): WINNER – Tom McBain, Askham Bryan College; Highly Commended awarded to both 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 awarded to Rocco Lilley, William Hare.
Higher Apprentice of Year: WINNER – Thomas ‘Patrick’ Steel, North Baltic Apprenticeships; Highly Commended awarded to 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 to 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 – The Qualification Delivery Team at North Yorkshire Council.
The 14 categories in the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards were judged by an expert panel of industry veterans:
Adrian O'Neill, Work and Skill Interchange co-ordinator - York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA)
Thomas Lupton, Quality & Compliance Director - Econ Engineering
Annette Hobson, Regional Membership Manager - Make UK
Aida Yousefabadi, Apprenticeship Assessor & Compliance Coach - Leeds College of Building
Fiona Gamwell, Business Support Manager | Apprentice Ambassador - Hudson Contract
The event was hosted by Rich Williams, an award-winning radio presenter. He has reported from major international sporting events including FIFA World Cups, UEFA Women’s EUROs and Champions League Finals.
He also produces podcasts and is an award-winning children’s author.