Apprentice of the Year 2025
Category criteria
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This award recognises the progress and achievements made in both an educational setting and in the workplace.
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Apprentices can be at any stage of their apprenticeship journey and can be working within any industry or sector.
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They may be nominated by their employer or training provider or they may put themselves forward, endorsed by their employer.
Liv Jackson
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Alongside her role as a Marketing Executive with Newcastle-under-Lyme based IronMarket Wealth, Liv Jackson is studying for a Marketing Executive apprenticeship with Apprentify.
She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by her employers, who say she has shown remarkable progress and initiative since starting work with them two years ago with no prior experience in the sector.
They have praised her dedication, attention to detail and ‘relentless pursuit of excellence’ and say she is now an invaluable asset to the team.
Since Liv started work with IronMarket Wealth the company’s social engagement has reached 161,000 and the average time people spend on its website has increased from 30 seconds to one minute. There has been a 50% increase in social media following in 12 months.
Liv has delivered on collaborations with Port Vale Football Club and secured more than 100 attendees for the company’s first INVESTIVAL event, 50% more than anticipated.
Liv was also involved in organising a launch party in London for IronMarket Wealth’s investment app, FINT.
Amy Johnson, Managing Partner of IronMarket Wealth, said: “Liv exemplifies excellence, leadership and dedication is all aspects of her work and studies. Her achievements, commitment to continuous improvement and positive impact on those around her make her a deserving recipient of this award.
“Liv only started with us just two years ago. She has grown both personally and professionally, including leading meetings with senior leaders and managing events with hundreds of attendees, all whilst only being aged 22.
“Liv quickly went from marketing apprentice to marketing executive within 12 months and we only see her accountability and growth continue, especially as we are now recruiting for someone to work with her and under her guidance. Liv is an incredible asset to the team and her journey has only just begun.”
Amanda Ellis
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Amanda Ellis combines working at Severn Hospice with studying for a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by her course leader, Jennifer Beckett.
Jennifer said: “Amanda is a determined and hardworking student who has made excellent progress during the course. Amanda has consistently challenged herself and worked extremely hard to achieve success on the course.”
Taylor Smith
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Taylor Smith has made such a good impression as the first apprentice with his employers, Rugeley-based Tailor Made Systems Ltd, that they have gone on to employ two more apprentices.
Taylor combines his role, which can involve travelling around the world, with a Digital Solutions Technology Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
He has been nominated in Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Work Based Education Officers Suzie Flint.
She said: “Taylor has done an amazing job of settling into his apprenticeship. Whilst working in various countries he has successfully adapted to the differing environments and cultures and managed the demands of his work/studies alongside this.
“Whilst working away he has been involved in training airfield technicians on the use of new products, including MALMS Trailer Services, use of their reporting dashboards and ensuring compliance to industry standards.
“When delivering this training he has often relied on an interpreter, so requiring excellent application of soft skills. His role also requires him to work on the runway during unsociable hours. This is just one aspect of his role.
“Taylor has also been involved in numerous projects that have had impact on the business. He has been involved in putting forward a business case for the use of new technologies and has been involved in identifying improvements that can be made within the business alongside possible solutions.
“Taylor shows enthusiasm and a real passion for the area he is working in. He has a strong work ethic, approaches all challenges with a positive attitude and shows a willingness to share his knowledge with other team members.”
Miles Magnier
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Miles Magnier combines his job at Rolls Royce with studying for a Digital Solutions Technology Apprenticeship with University of Staffordshire.
He has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Phil James, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Digital Degree Apprenticeships at the University.
Miles’s employers said: “Miles consistently meets deadlines, demonstrating excellent time management skills. He approaches tasks with diligence and precision, ensuring high-quality results.
“Miles is setting a strong example through his commitment to high standards. He regularly challenges himself by taking on additional responsibilities, showcasing his ambition and dedication to his apprenticeship. A good example of this would be Miles is currently working with Andy Cripps. one of Rolls Royce’s early career team, to transform and re-invent a Rolls Rorce process for apprentices.
“Miles contributed to the Rolls Royce open evening, engaging with parents of prospective candidates to discuss his degree and work experience. During this event he displayed outstanding communication skills, presenting himself in a professional and confident manner.”
Miles has also been nominated for the Engineering EIT awards in recognition of his achievements.
Paul McConville, Kate Roberts and Katie Slater-Powdrill
Apprentice of the Year nomination
Paul McConville, Kate Roberts and Katie Slater-Powdrill, who are all second year Operating Department Practice students at University of Staffordshire, have been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
The trio have been put forward for the accolade by Dawn-Marie Sharman, Course Leads and Senior Lecturer on the Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons) – Apprenticeship course.
Dawn-Marie said: “Not only are they super engaged, excellent in practice and supportive of their peers but they also gave up a Saturday to help with recruitment.
"They were excellent with the candidates and represented both the University and clinical area extremely well. They were professional, respectful and approachable throughout the day.”
Chika Nwankwo
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Chika Nwankwo led the trial and implementation of a new digital prescribing service at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Chika, who studied for a Senior Leadership Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire, has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Work Based Education Officer Mary Adams said: “I would like to acknowledge Chika's significant contribution to patient safety in her workplace. Chika led the initiative within her Trust to trial and implement the Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration system, a new digital prescribing service. This service aims to enhance medication management, improve patient safety and streamline clinical workflows.
“Chika has demonstrated remarkable growth in her learning journey, now focusing on strategic decision-making rather than operational tasks. She exemplifies how effectively linking knowledge to skills can lead to outstanding results.”
Chika is now the hospital’s digital lead pharmacist.
Michelle Maddox
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Michelle Maddox’s University of Staffordshire lecturer says she is ‘the most dedicated and passionate student’ since her course began.
Michelle, who works at Black Country Partnership NHS Talking Therapies, is studying for a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Apprenticeship alongside her job.
She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by lecturer Sarah Manso Fernandez-Arguelles.
Sarah said: “Michelle has been the most dedicated and passionate student I've seen since our apprenticeship started in 2021. She puts 100% effort into everything she does and always demonstrates a great attitude to feedback and wanting to learn.
“Michelle faced substantial challenges in her apprenticeship but always took these in the spirit of self-improvement and never took her foot off the pedal.
“I'm personally so incredibly proud of how far she's come and the therapist she's going to be.”
Peter Collier
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Peter Collier is studying for a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with University of Staffordshire alongside his job at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Work Based Education Officer Jenny Rutter.
She said: “Peter is a really humble and hardworking student who is passionate about his role in the fire service and wants to do everything he possibly can to create harmonious and collaborative communities.
“As part of Peter’s work-based project he wants to work with local schools and colleges to raise awareness of deliberate fires and the cost and implications to local communities. This isn’t just a tick box for Peter but is something very close to his heart.”
Keira Morton
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Keira Morton combined her role as Head of Housing Management at Stoke-on-Trent City Council will studying for a Chartered Manager Degree apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
Keira has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Jenny Rutter, Work Based Education Officer at the University.
Jenny said: “Keira has completely embraced the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme and over the last two and half years has developed and honed her skills and knowledge in leadership which gave her the confidence to apply for a promotion several grades above her current grade.
“She was successful in her application and is now a leader in local government as Head of Housing.”
Steve McCormick
Apprentice of the Year nominee
As Head of Prevention and Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Steve McCormick is responsible for fire safety in the community, fire prevention in homes and ensuring non-residential premises comply with fire safety legislation.
His team educate businesses, investigate the cause of fires and campaign for sprinklers. They work to reduce deliberate fires, to improve road and water safety and deliver programmes for children and young people.
Alongside this vital role, Steve is studying for a Senior Leadership Apprenticeship with University of Staffordshire where he is the student representative on his course.
He has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by his course tutor, Kieron Chadwick.
Kieron said: “I would like to recognise Steve’s contribution to collectivism. The culture he has been pivotal in creating in his Senior Leader Apprenticeship cohort has been influential in creating a forum environment which goes far beyond just apprentices learning, but actually engaging in knowledge exchange.”
Santanu Pradhan
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Born in Nepal and now a Regimental Training Officer with The Brigade of Gurkhas, Santanu Pradhan initially found the UK civilian higher education system challenging – but he has excelled at University of Staffordshire.
He has just completed a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with a distinction and has now been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by his course leader.
Dr Karen Castle, Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Management at University of Staffordshire, said: “His commitment to learning and his dedication to his own development has been exemplary from the start, despite him finding the UK civilian higher education system challenging.
“It was experiencing these challenges that led to him developing study techniques that went on to benefit him throughout the course. This was brought home to me when he explained that before he started to learn anything, he had to convert it to Nepali before translating it back to English in order to make sense of the content of the modules.
“As his Course Leader, I became aware of this at an early stage and as a result looked to develop the Gurkha Learning Network for all the Gurkha students, currently 19.
“It began with a meeting between myself and Santanu to outline the remit for the network and to plan the development of the network. He has consistently provided support for other Nepalese students, acting as unofficial mentor and guide in translating the complex elements of the course.
“He supports at all the network meetings an support sessions, often meeting with individual students between network events.
“He has recently completed his degre, but has identified that he wishes to remain a key member of the group as an alumni of the University. He has engaged with all of this as well as carrying out his own studies for the past two years.
“He has recently learnt that, due to his interest and support for his fellow students here at the University, he has been shortlisted for the British Army`s Apprentice of the Year.
“Santanu is also a vociferous advocate for the Business School and for the University, promoting the CMDA at every opportunity within the Army. There are several students now on programme due to him promoting this within the organisation.
“He has, as a result of his success on the course, secured promotion within the Army.”
Santanu said: “I was pleasantly surprised and very thankful to the University of Staffordshire team to have been identified for an awards nomination in this way.”
Rob Kelly
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Rob Kelly is studying for a Level 5 Paramedic Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire alongside his job with West Midlands Ambulance Service.
His tutors have described him as ‘everything we want in a soon-to-be HCPC Paramedic’ and praised his willingness to support others on his course.
Rob is in the second year of his apprenticeship and balances his studies with a demanding full-time job and a busy home life.
Yet he continually impresses academically and University staff have noted his self-awareness and his commitment to develop in areas that he initially found challenging.
Sam Carless, Work Based Education Officer at University of Staffordshire, said: “From the outset, Rob acknowledged that the academic aspect of the course would be a hurdle. Rather than letting this become a barrier, he took a proactive approach seeking out support, using available resources, and committing extra time to improve. His determination to overcome personal challenges is evident in both his academic progress and practical performance.
“Rob’s contribution extends beyond his own learning. He is a valued peer to fellow students, offering consistent advice and support, particularly to those finding the course difficult. He has also volunteered to speak to the next student cohort during welcome week, offering honest insights into the apprenticeship experience and sharing strategies for success.
“Rob’s progress is not just technical; it reflects the attributes we value most in the profession—compassion, resilience, self-improvement, and teamwork. His trajectory throughout the apprenticeship so far reflects someone who is not only on the path to becoming an excellent paramedic but someone who positively impacts those around him as he does so.
“Rob Kelly exemplifies what the Apprentice of the Year Award is designed to recognise: a learner who has made a meaningful impact, exceeded expectations, and embraced every opportunity to grow and contribute.”
Rob Kelly has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Doug Hughes
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Since joining The HEX Group in September 2024, Doug Hughes’s employers say he has made an exceptional impression both as an apprentice and as a valued member of the wider team.
Doug came to Hixon-based The HEX Group straight from sixth form, where he studied Business and Double Sport. From early on, he knew that university wasn’t for him. He wanted to combine practical, hands-on experience with academic learning. With a long-standing interest in both business and engineering, the apprenticeship route offered the best of both worlds.
The Level 3 Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship aligned perfectly with his strengths and ambitions, and his interest in sales made his current role as an Internal Sales Engineer a natural fit.
At Stafford College, where he studies one day a week, Doug has covered engineering drawings, health and safety, and regulations. He is eager to continue building his knowledge in mechanical principles, always bringing his enthusiasm for learning into the workplace.
Doug has become a key member of the Alpha Manufacturing team, working at the interface between sales and production. He plays an important role in preparing accurate technical information, supporting the smooth and professional delivery of customer projects. He has learned how to read and analyse engineering drawings, identify potential manufacturing issues, and ask the right questions to ensure successful outcomes.
His ability to cost jobs accurately and communicate clearly with both customers and internal teams has been impressive, particularly given the short time he has been in the role.
Doug has also taken on additional responsibilities beyond what is expected of an apprentice. He identified an opportunity to streamline operations by implementing a new CRM system, Monday, into Alpha Manufacturing. His proactive approach and understanding of workflow challenges meant he was trusted to lead this project, which is already making a positive impact.
His manager, Corey Hammond, said: “Doug has made a significant impact and quickly become a vital part of the team. In his role supporting the sales team, he plays a key part in bridging the gap between winning a job and getting it into production. He takes responsibility for preparing accurate technical information, helping ensure projects move forward smoothly and professionally.
“What stands out most is how quickly he has developed. He has learned to cost jobs accurately, produce professional quotes, communicate directly with customers to gather key information, and identify any potential manufacturing concerns prior to production. He has also picked up the ability to read technical drawings and ask the right questions, both internally and with customers, to make sure we are capable of producing each part to the required standard.
“His willingness to learn and show initiative, while delivering a high standard of work, has made him a real asset to the business. He shows maturity beyond his experience, brings value across departments, and continues to take on more responsibility with a positive mental attitude. Doug has also recently expressed interest in how to deal with more demanding customers and is eager to be involved in key customer meetings to build a better understanding of customer and supplier connections.
“Given the progress he has made, the quality of his work, and the positive impact he has had on the team, I believe he is a very strong candidate not only for Apprentice of the Year 2025, but to be an essential part of The HEX Group’s future.”
Doug Hughes has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Leah Evans
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Leah Evans is a young female apprentice who is thriving in the manufacturing sector thanks to her passion, dedication and natural talent.
Currently undertaking her Level 2 Welding apprenticeship, Leah is a valued team member at Hixon-based The HEX Group, contributing directly to both Bri-Stor Systems and Alpha Manufacturing.
Leah has always known that a practical, hands-on career was right for her. While she appreciated school, it was in Design and Technology where her passion really lay - enjoying the opportunity to build, create and work with her hands. Sitting at a desk all day never appealed to her and when the time came to choose a path after school, engineering was a natural fit.
She enrolled in a Level 2 Engineering Operations course at college, where she was the only female in the group. Rather than being discouraged, Leah embraced the opportunity and quickly formed supportive friendships. It was there that she discovered her passion for welding. She took to it immediately, learning quickly and developing a deep sense of focus and satisfaction from the work. Welding felt instinctive—and from the outset, she stood out as someone with real potential.
Leah’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. Her peers regularly turned to her for support and she often mentored others - sharing her own best practices, guiding their development and creating a collaborative learning environment. Even if it meant slowing her own progress, she always made time to help.
Starting at The HEX Group felt like jumping into the deep end - but that’s just how Leah likes it. The fast-paced environment, responsibility, and high expectations were a welcome challenge. She adapted quickly, taking every opportunity to learn and grow. She developed key workplace skills - time management, independent learning, communication, and problem-solving - and quickly became known for her willingness to ask questions and offer help in equal measure.
Leah recently gave a talk at NSCG Stafford about her apprenticeship journey. Though it was her first experience of public speaking, she embraced the opportunity to share her story:
“It was a scary and new experience. I’ve never done anything like that before, but it was great to be given the platform to talk about what I do and see people be interested in what I am doing every day.”
Leah Evans has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Joshua Clewlow
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Joshua Clewlow has been praised for his strong work ethic and natural aptitude for engineering by his employers at KMF Precision Sheet Metal Limited.
He began his career with KMF as a 16-year-old apprentice in August 2017, embarking on a Level 2 and later a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship in Engineering Technology, specialising in Fabrication and Welding.
During his final year of apprenticeship the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing sudden changes in training delivery. In March 2020, when lockdowns began, KMF’s Training Academy swiftly
transitioned to online platforms, using Zoom and other digital tools to ensure apprentices could continue their academic learning.
Josh adapted exceptionally well to this new format, continuing to produce high-quality work. His final assessments were awarded distinctions, highlighting his resilience, adaptability and commitment to learning despite unprecedented circumstances.
Following his successful apprenticeship completion, Josh was offered a full-time role in KMF’s Stainless Steel Welding Cell—an achievement in itself. Typically, newly qualified apprentices start in the main site’s welding or metal forming departments, but Josh’s outstanding welding skills made him the ideal candidate for this high quality-standards environment.
However, Josh’s ambitions extended beyond welding. When a vacancy for a Quality Inspector arose in December 2022 he applied and successfully secured the role. He brought his practical welding expertise into the quality domain, supporting welders across both the main site and the stainless steel cell. His hands-on experience enabled him to
mentor others and raise quality standards throughout the business.
Josh’s journey of continuous growth didn’t stop there. When a Junior Team Leader position was advertised in 2023 he seized the opportunity once again. He was appointed to the role in September 2023, taking on the responsibility of managing a team of 10 on a specific customer assembly line. This was a major step forward, and a testament to his leadership potential at just 23 years old.
To support his transition into management, Josh requested additional training. In September
2024, KMF enrolled him on a Level 4 Process Leader Apprenticeship with CQM Training,
funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Josh has continued to excel - regular reviews show he is leading his class and on track to achieve a distinction upon completion in 2026.
Joshua Clewlow has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Danielle Valentino
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Danielle Valentino began her career as a carer, became a senior carer then senior care home assistant practitioner and is now in the second year of a degree apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire to become a Nurse Associate.
The 32-year-old has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by her Course Leader, Jennifer Beckett.
Jennifer said: “Dannie is an enthusiastic and conscientious Senior Nurse Associate who works extremely hard academically and achieves excellent feedback in practice. She is also a voice for her cohort group, acting as student representative.”
Danielle has been working at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home in Bradwell, Newcastle-under-Lyme, for 15 years.
Danielle said: “I’m shocked to have been nominated for an award. It’s unexpected. Everybody on the course is so deserving.
“I love the course. I love what I do for a living and enjoy being educated about it. The whole Nurse Associate team is amazing. The lecturers give us so much support and are always there if we need them. The support is constant.”
Kayleigh Simm
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Kayleigh Simm is the only female in her apprentice cohort at Newcastle-based KMF - but that does not stop her drive and passion for engineering shining through. Her employers say she has made “absolutely outstanding progress” in the 18 months she has been with them so far.
From a young age, Kayleigh had a keen interest in engineering from watching TV programmes with her dad and in her own words: “I’ve always wanted to learn how to make the products that I was seeing on the television.”
Before joining KMF in August 2022 the 19-year-old did a Level 3 BTEC in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) which fuelled her passion for engineering. Whilst there she won The NSCG Principal’s Vocational Award in 2022, a sign of her talent, attitude and desire to reach her full potential.
Jenny Johnston, People and Culture Manager at KMF, said: “She is an extremely driven and talented young person who has made an outstanding impression within the company. A sign of the esteem that Kayleigh is held in can be seen by how many school and college careers fairs that she has led with the KMF team (15 in total so far), plus acted as an outstanding apprentice advocate on our Apprenticeship Open Day to over 140 visitors.
“As well as being extremely bright (she won the Academic Achievement Award at our last KMF Apprentice Awards), Kayleigh has the personal skills and qualities that really do show both herself and the company in a great light to others.
“An example of her willingness to develop herself and help others is that Kayleigh never says no to CSR and charity work on behalf of the company and is always the first to volunteer.
“More recently, Kayleigh has received her diploma results and has achieved distinctions across all units, an achievement not yet seen by any apprentice at KMF. Since opening the KMF training facility we have trained more than 200 engineering apprentices.
“Kayleigh has plenty of other experience helping us with our community work, as she is an integral part of a team that led STEM activities in a number of local schools throughout the school holidays. This STEM team were absolutely superb in everything that they did, especially when you consider that they had to go into a wide range of educational establishments – and we know from experience that schoolchildren are often the harshest critics of all! It was a steep but enjoyable learning curve for our apprentices, but Kayleigh was brilliant and the verbal feedback that she had was outstanding.
“Kayleigh has a fantastic work ethic, a mature attitude towards all that she does, and we feel that she will have an exceptional career. She is looking to undertake a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and then potentially teaching after that.
“She develops positive, productive working relationships with others, boasts superb organisational skills and revels in situations where she can support her peers.”
Jenny has nominated Kayleigh Simm in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Toni-Leah Sayce
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Toni-Leah Sayce is studying for a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with University of Staffordshire alongside her job as a team leader in admin and business support at Walsall Council.
Toni is in the second year of her course and has won awards in her workplace for the way she has applied for apprenticeship learning to her work role.
Now she has been nominated as an Apprentice of the Year in the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by her course leader, Kieron Chadwick.
He said: “Toni-Leah is a fine example of a person who has linked knowledge to skills brilliantly.”
Toni-Leah has previously been nominated by Anne-Marie Millard, Business Support Manager – Admin and Business Support at Walsall Council, who said: “Toni is already putting what she is learning into her day-to-day work which is a win-win for everyone. If you were to look up positive culture, perseverance, accountability or loyalty to team – you would find Toni in the definition.
“Toni brings both strong assets and a personality to their role and I am fortunate to have her within my management team.
“She is dedicated and hardworking and is extremely focused on continuously learning and developing best practices to manage routine activities both efficiently and effectively. Toni brings a positive high energy and a personal touch.
“Toni genuinely cares about delivering excellent quality work and she strives to integrate both an understanding of the big picture strategy and goals as well as disseminating her knowledge to her wider team which in turn empowers them to own their decisions and workloads.
“She does not shy away from a challenge, which sets her apart from some peers. She consistently demonstrates a can-do attitude and will find a way to solve a problem.
“She is also a trusted member of the management team she supports and is included in staff discussions. She understands how to navigate sensitive situations and ensure confidentiality while also eager to learn the business so that her support is meaningful for the service.
“Part of Toni’s role is focusing on team culture and creating a positive work environment. she has a vision to foster team spirit with forms of recognition and camaraderie in creative ways. She recognizes that a simple thank you, recognition or a shared laugh can make a person’s day.
“I highly recommend Toni. She is motivated and positively engaged, serving as a true example of collaborative working.”
Jack Brookes
Apprentice of the Year entrant
Jack Brookes is starting to take on a business management role for his employers thanks to the skills he is learning on his Business Administration Apprenticeship.
The 21-year-old works for BJW Health and Safety Services, based at University of Staffordshire’s Stafford Business Village, alongside studying with Juniper Training.
Jack, from Cannock, has been working as Business Coordinator since joining the company in February 2024.
He said: “The apprenticeship supports the business administration aspects of my job and I do on the job training for the health and safety side.
“It’s an online course via a training platform so I’m able to fit in the six hours each week around the hours that I’m needed by the clients I work with.”
After leaving Cannock Chase High School Jack was a Junior Supervisor at the clothes shop Luke 1977 before starting his role with BJW.
Jody Wilson, BJW Operations Director, said: “Jack is a very friendly and outgoing person, the sort of person that everyone gets on with. We just knew that he would be brilliant as the face of what we do.
“From day one all he’s ever wanted to do is help us with anything he can. Anything we ask him to do is never too much trouble. He understands that the client has to come first and anything we’ve asked him to do has been done.”
She added that Jack’s apprenticeship has also had an impact on the company’s sustainability policies.
Jack has been entered into the Apprentice of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Millie Quick
Apprentice of the Year nominee
T-Level Business Management and Administration student Millie Quick has become a mentor for other students working alongside her in placements at Newcastle-under-Lyme based Recruitment Robin.
The 18-year-old is in the second year of a T-Level in business management and administration which she combines with working one day per week as a recruitment admin assistant.
Her role at the company has changed to include mentoring first year T-Level and BTEC students and helping to teach them skills including goal setting and creating cash flow forecasts.
Selina Rudzik, Director of Recruitment Robin, said: “Millie’s journey has seen her evolve from a reserved student into a proactive and highly valued team member. She has taken every opportunity to develop new skills, build her confidence and contribute meaningfully to the business.
“As part of her professional growth, Millie was introduced to the local business community through networking events, an experience that initially saw her as a quiet observer. However, through her dedication and perseverance she has flourished into a confident and articulate spokesperson, not only for Recruitment Robin but for the T-Level programme itself.
“Millie’s ability to take initiative, think innovatively and contribute fresh ideas has made a positive and lasting impact on both Recruitment Robin and the wider T-Level programme. She embodies the spirit of continuous learning and development, demonstrating how education and work experience can shape a young professional into a confident, capable and inspirational leader of the future.
“One of Millie’s most outstanding achievements has been her transition into an ambassadorial role, where she now delivers professional presentations to educate and engage local employers about the benefits of T-Level placements.
“Through her innovative approach and ability to connect with business leaders, she has helped increase awareness and participation in the programme, showcasing how T-Level students can bring real value to businesses.”
Millie Quick has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Brooklynne Chadwick
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Apprentice accountant Brooklynne Chadwick began working with one of her employer’s largest clients, including preparing the payroll for a business with 100 employees, after just a few weeks in the role.
The 17-year-old has been praised for her ‘exceptional dedication, skill and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship’.
Brooklynne is studying for a Level 3 AAT Apprenticeship at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group alongside working at JMT Accountancy in Fenton.
Tomasz Putynkowski, Director of JMT, said: “Brooklynne has shown remarkable aptitude in her role, quickly mastering complex accounting tasks and consistently delivering high-quality work.
“Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy have significantly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of our team. She has taken on responsibilities beyond her initial scope, showcasing her ability to learn and adapt swiftly.
“Brooklynne is a team player who fosters a positive and collaborative work environment. She is always willing to assist her colleagues, share her knowledge and contribute to team projects. Her excellent communication skills and approachable demeanour make her a respected and valued member of our team.
“Brooklynne handles client enquiries with professionalism and ensures that their needs are met promptly and effectively.”
Tomasz has nominated Brooklynne in the Apprentice of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.