Apprentice of the Year 2026
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 of any age, 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.
Nicola Walklate
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Nicola Walklate joined Stoke-on-Trent City Council as an admin assistant but is now a qualified quantity surveyor after completing a five-year degree apprenticeship course with first class honours.
She worked in various administrative roles within the council’s housing team before securing a job as an assistant quantity surveyor within the council’s repairs and maintenance service, working her way up to quantity surveyor while studying at the University of Wolverhampton.
Rachel Forster, the repairs and maintenance Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator said: “Nicola is a real asset to the business. Her hard work and dedication has earned her a first in her degree and we are so very proud of her.”
Nicola’s mentor said: “Nicola is a key member of the Commercial Team and completed all tasks assigned to her quickly, efficiently and always with a cheerful smile. She has made herself almost indispensable since joining the team six years ago. She always completes tasks given to her fully, accurately and speedily.
“It is a pleasure working with Nicola, she always brings enthusiasm with a positive can do attitude. Nicola’s thirst for knowledge and her ambition to do well is reflected in her ability to master her tasks proficiently with confidence.
“She is willing to explore ways to work smarter and share her findings with the team and I’m confident Nicola will continue to be an asset to the repairs and maintenance service for years to come.”
Nicola said: “The apprenticeship has accelerated my learning, far beyond what I believe I could have achieved through a university degree alone. It has also supported developing my confidence. At the start of my apprenticeship I found it challenging to speak up in meetings or ask questions but over time, I have pushed myself to contribute more, seek clarification and take ownership of asks.
“Following being awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours First Class in Quantity Surveying,I want to continue developing my skills and progress in the future both personally by achieving MRICS status and professionally into a role where I can lead and support others within my remit.
“I have been employed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for 13 years and I am committed to contributing to the local authority long-term and becoming a valued professional.
“My apprenticeship has given me the platform to grow and build a long and meaningful career in the profession whilst addressing the skills shortage within the quantity surveying industry.”
Nicola Walklate has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Hannah Caulfield
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Hannah Caulfield’s leadership of a women’s support network has helped Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service move from 17th to 6th place nationally for the number of female firefighters employed.
Hannah has worked her way up from firefighter to station manager within the fire service, a role she combined with studying for a Senior Leadership Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
Since 2018 she has chaired Limitless, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s women’s network, which helps women across the organisation feel confident, supported and able to progress in their careers.
She helped shape one of the most supportive maternity policies in the fire sector and created peer support networks for pregnant firefighters and new mothers. She has also worked to raise awareness of menopause in the workplace, helping to create a more open and understanding culture.
Hannah has developed mentoring and buddy schemes to support women joining the fire service and those at the start of their careers. She has also supported community events encouraging more women to consider firefighting as a career.
In 2022 she was named an Exceptional Ally by Women in the Fire Service for her commitment to supporting women in the industry.
Hannah has also been awarded the prestigious King's Fire Service Medal in this year’s King’s New Year Honours List for her outstanding service and leadership, particularly her tireless commitment to supporting female firefighters and helping make the Service more diverse, inclusive and supportive.
Her University of Staffordshire tutors have nominated her in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
They said: “What makes Hannah stand out is her genuine passion for helping others succeed. She is always looking for ways to improve, learn and create opportunities for those around her, whilst remaining humble throughout. She leads by example and has made a lasting impact on the service and the people within it.
“Hannah is an inspiring leader, an outstanding apprentice and a role model for others. She fully deserves recognition as Apprentice of the Year for her commitment to personal development and for the incredible support she gives to others, particularly women in the fire service.”
Rob Kelly
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Rob Kelly is in the final year of a Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship with University of Staffordshire, studying alongside his fulltime job with West Midlands Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust.
He joined the profession during the Covid-19 pandemic, initially training as an emergency medical technician and working towards his dream of becoming a paramedic.
Rob began his degree apprenticeship in 2024, despite being daunted by the prospect of returning to education after many years away.
He worried that his age might be a barrier and questioned whether he could keep pace academically and clinically. Yet what Rob has gone on to prove is that rather than barriers his life experience, maturity and resilience are some of his greatest strengths.
His course tutors have now nominated him in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
They said: “His journey is one of courage, determination and transformation, the story of someone who refused to let self-doubt define his future and instead chose to pursue a long-held ambition to become an HCPC-registered paramedic.
“He does not simply want to pass the course; he wants to become the very best clinician he can be. His employer describes him as proactive, reflective and thoroughly deserving of recognition, highlighting how consistently he seeks feedback, pursues development opportunities and applies himself to improving his practice.
“This is echoed by his lecturers, who describe Rob as enthusiastic, resilient and driven, with consistently high standards in both education and clinical practice.”
Rob has become a course representative for his peers, helping to create a learning environment where others feel valued and capable.
Kayden Plant
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Alongside his work as an apprentice plumber with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Repairs and Maintenance Service, Kayden Plant attends careers fairs to talk to people considering working in the construction industry.
Kayden, who is in the second year of a level three apprenticeship at Stoke-on-Trent College, has been described as a shining example of a hard-working young man who always goes the extra mile to offer an exemplar service to customers.
Rachel Forster, Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator for the repairs and maintenance service, said: “Kayden is a credit to our team, he is very conscientious and goes the extra mile to ensure that our customers receive an excellent service.”
Kayden’s operational team leader and mentor said: “Kayden is a valued member of our team. He carries out multi trade works and can turn his hand to anything. He is well liked and highly respected and goes above and beyond to offer an exemplar customer service.”
Kayden said: “I am really enjoying myself and looking forward to coming to work and learning something new every day and becoming more independent on tasks. College for me is going well and I have just passed another one of my exams.
“I am really enjoying learning off the other students from different areas of expertise to grow and expand my knowledge and skill set. I also have a strong passion for encouraging students who were just like me and didn’t necessarily enjoy school and struggled to succeed.
“I tell students about how amazing doing an apprenticeship is in something that you love doing and that with the best support by your side it can change your whole perspective on life.”
Kayden Plant has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Olivia Scally
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Newly qualified gas engineer Olivia Scally is such an inspiration to other young women considering construction careers that she has become the face of Stoke-on-Trent College.
Olivia, who was awarded a first class apprenticeship, has been called a credit to employers Stoke-on-Trent City Council, where she works for the repairs and maintenance service.
She attends careers fairs, gives talks to students and offers advice if they’re considering an apprenticeship in the construction industry.
She has been filmed at work, is featured on Stoke-on-Trent College posters and vans to promote apprenticeships and Future Ready Skills courses and has been nominated for a string of awards.
Olivia was named Learner of the Year in 2025 by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. She was runner-up in Unitas Apprentice of the Year in 2024 and a finalist in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice Awards in 2025.
Outside of work she is currently using the skills that she has gained from her apprenticeship to renovate her new home. She ran the Race for Life in memory of her friend’s late mum and raised £240 for Cancer Research.
Olivia’s operational team leader and mentor said: “Olivia is very driven and passionate. She sets herself clear targets and goals and pushes herself to a very high standard to ensure that all tasks are completed safely.”
Olivia said: “Over the past three years of my apprenticeship I have learned so many new skills and created friendships for life. I was very nervous to change departments and follow my goals, as I know being a female in the trade isn’t the typical. I’m very grateful for my friends, family and colleagues who pushed me to make that jump, because I wouldn’t change my career for the world now.
“I enjoy every aspect of the job. No two days are the same from completing landlord gas safety records to remedials. It gives me a great sense of fulfilment knowing that completing the job or the conversation with tenants could make their lives that little bit easier.”
Olivia has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Mia Howard
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Mia Howard is a Legal Services T-Level student who has demonstrated outstanding progress and achievement across both her academic studies and her workplace placement, rapidly evolving into a confident, capable and commercially impactful recruitment professional.
At just 19, Mia is in the second year of her T-Level at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), while completing an industry placement with Newcastle-under-Lyme-based recruitment agency Recruitment Robin.
Selina Rudzik, Managing Director of Recruitment Robin, says Mia is set apart not just by her participation in the workplace but by the level of responsibility she has earned and the measurable impact she delivers.
She said: “Initially joining in a support capacity, Mia has quickly progressed to independently managing full recruitment cycles. She now leads on advertising vacancies, screening candidates, shortlisting and coordinating interviews, demonstrating a level of ownership, professionalism and accountability well beyond that expected at her stage.
“In a recent project she managed a pipeline of 12 candidates, coordinated the full interview process and successfully supported the placement of a candidate from her shortlist, evidencing her ability to deliver real recruitment outcomes.”
Mia’s contribution has extended beyond business benefit into meaningful community impact. She independently managed a full pro-bono recruitment project for the charity Emmaus North Staffs, overseeing candidate shortlisting and end-to-end coordination. Through her work,she saved the charity approximately 20 hours of administrative and screening time and several thousand pounds in recruitment fees, while still delivering a high-quality hiring outcome.
Selina said: “Alongside her technical and professional development, Mia’s personal journey highlights remarkable resilience and determination. Overcoming a challenging background, she has fully embraced education and workplace learning as a pathway to success, transforming from a reserved student into a confident professional who actively contributes to business outcomes.
“Mia’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and professional growth. She has evolved from a reserved student into a proactive team member who doesn’t just support our recruitment processes, she owns them. She has overcome significant personal and educational hurdles to become a vital part of our team, and we are incredibly proud to see her progressing to Aston University as a capable, confident professional.”
In addition to her studies and placement, Mia has independently launched and grown her own nail technician business into a profitable venture, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive, time management and commercial awareness alongside her academic and professional commitments.
Selina has nominated Mia in both the Young Business Person of the Year and Apprentice of the year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Alisha Kirkham
Apprentice of the Year nominee
From her workplace professionalism to representing her fellow University of Staffordshire students as a cohort ambassador. Alisha Kirkham has been described as showing unwavering commitment in everything she does.
The student nurse associate combines her University of Staffordshire studies with working at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Gemma Williams, Senior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing for the Nursing Apprenticeship Team.
Gemma said: “Alisha exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Student Nurse Associate, demonstrating authentic leadership, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the Nursing 6Cs in everything she does.
“She is a positive role model who inspires confidence, respect, and motivation in both her peers and the healthcare professionals she works alongside. Her natural ability to connect with others, combined with her empathetic listening and strong advocacy skills, ensures she consistently champions the needs, wellbeing and voices of those she supports.”
During a recent community placement Alisha identified a significant education gap relating to the team’s confidence in recognising and responding to patients with mental health concerns. She delivered a tailored teaching session and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Gemma added “It is an honour to teach Alisha and witness her growth into such a compassionate, capabl, and inspiring future nurse associate and if she chooses future nurse.
“She enriches every environment she steps into, leaving a positive and lasting impact on patients, colleagues and peers. Her outstanding contribution makes her profoundly deserving of this award.”
Angelique James
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Angelique James is the first to admit that she struggled academically when she first started her Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire but three years later the picture couldn’t be more different.
Angelique, a HR Warrant Officer for the British Army, has been able to use her studies to bring about meaningful change within her workplace and has now been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Her course leader, Dr Karen Castle, said: “It is fair to say she struggled with the academic element of the course during the first few modules. It became evident that she struggled with imposter syndrome and found some of the assessments challenging.
“She held a pressured position within the British Army and had to balance caring for three daughters, operating professionally within a high pressured environment and completing the CMDA.
“Ange sought support from University departments as well as from the course team and gradually, she found a confidence in herself and her grades began to improve. Not only this, she found that she was able to suggest improvements and changes in her workplace as a direct result of her own leadership development.
“One such improvement has become evident in her work based project where she has identified some deficits in organisational systems and processes that were having a considerable negative impact on the way the British Army manages some data.
“In investigating this problem, she found that in moving from a directive, transactional leadership approach to a coaching and mentoring approach, she was able to make some significant beneficial change both to the systems deficit and in incorporating a coaching a mentoring model to the leadership strategy for her department.
“This has resulted in a more transformational and collegiate approach across her department. The coaching and mentoring leadership model has created a more inclusive culture in which people of all nationalities feel valued and respected.”
She added: “As her confidence has grown, so too has her influence within her military cohort. Angelique brings energy, positivity, and determination to her role, fostering a motivated and productive working environment.
“She is increasingly recognised as a reliable and capable individual who can be trusted to take initiative, support others, and drive progress. Her ability to engage and inspire colleagues has had a direct and positive effect on team cohesion and performance.”
Kieran Wade
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Kieran Wade is the Operations Manager at Scarborough Sea Life Centre but he studied for his Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
He completed his CMDA with a distinction and has now been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
One of Kieran’s most significant professional achievements during his apprenticeship was the creation and launch of the Local Ambassador Scheme across the Merlin Entertainments estate, spanning locations from Weymouth to Loch Lomond.
This initiative identified and unlocked a previously untapped market by building structured partnerships with local holiday parks, accommodation providers and tourism partners. Rather than viewing attractions in isolation, Kieran recognised the opportunity to embed Merlin sites more deeply into local visitor ecosystems, creating mutual value for both the attraction and its surrounding tourism economy.
The Ambassador Scheme demonstrated strategic foresight and strong stakeholder engagement. Kieran designed a framework that empowered local partners to act as advocates for Merlin attractions, driving awareness, increasing conversion through exclusive offers and strengthening community relationships. This not only delivered commercial benefit through incremental visitor growth but also enhanced Merlin’s local brand presence and reputation.
Kieran has an undergraduate degree in Theatre Performance Writing and went on to study Operations Management then a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
He has been working at Scarborough Sea Life Centre and York Dungeon for more than six years in roles including Commercial Manager and Operations Project Manager.
Sophie Galantini
Apprentice of the Year nominee
University of Staffordshire alumna Sophie Galantini has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year categories of the Business Awards.
Sophie, who graduated in Media Production in 2011, is now the General Manager at Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Brewood. She was previously Operations Manager at the independent coffee shop chain BEAR.
Sophie said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for the University of Staffordshire Business Awards. I really appreciate it. It’s amazing even to be considered. I’d love to be up for an award.
“I had a really good rapport with the tutor who has put me forward. She really supported me throughout my degree. I graduated with first class honours. I wouldn’t have that without her.”
Sophie has been nominated by Victoria Rosamond, her tutor on the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at University of Derby.
Victoria said: “Supported by her workplace mentor and driven by her own proactive engagement, Sophie has developed into a highly capable, thoughtful and professionally confident manager. Her portfolio demonstrates strong business acumen, creativity, operational competence, and reflective depth.
“Sophie embodies the values and impact of the CMDA programme. Her academic excellence, professional achievement across two organisational contexts, leadership maturity and reflective capability make her a truly deserving candidate for Apprentice of the Year.”
Rhyllan Taperek
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Student Rhyllan Taperek joined Stoke-on-Trent College in September 2022 to complete a full-time City & Guilds Level 1 Bricklaying course at the age of just 14, following elective home education, with dreams of becoming a site manager for his dad’s business: Kobra Construction.
During his first two years at the college he successfully completed both his City & Guilds Level 1 and Level 2 diplomas in bricklaying. After becoming eligible for a recognised apprenticeship, Rhyllan became a bricklaying apprentice for Kobra Construction.
Rhyllan has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
A college spokesman said: “From the outset of coming to college, Rhyllan demonstrated a passion and maturity that far exceed his years. On his study days, he is often the first to arrive, assisting technicians with workshop setup and maintaining a safe, organised environment, but it is his aptitude and skill for bricklaying that really set him apart from other students.”
Rhyllan’s tutor, Rob Harrison, put him forward for a Regional Guild of Bricklayers competition. Rob recognised Rhyllan’s natural talent for bricklaying and saw the regional Guild of Bricklayers competition as the perfect opportunity for him to test his skills against other budding bricklayers.
The Guild of Bricklayers competition sees students from Further Education in timed tasks that test their ability to produce high quality brickwork display under timed conditions. Rhyllan won the West Midlands regional heat and placed third nationally.
Following this, Rhyllan has also won the SkillBuild UK regional heat in the bricklaying category at Trafford College and represented Stoke-on-Trent College and the entire West Midlands region in the national finals.
As an apprentice for Kobra Construction, Rhyllan is applying the skills learnt in the classroom, on live building projects across Staffordshire. He is an active part of the Kobra team, working on new builds, home extensions and renovations, with a keen focus on efficiency and time management.
Rhyllan actively challenges himself by requesting increasingly complex brickwork projects, including battered walls, corbelling and angled structures, and decorative panels. These tasks have stretched Rhyllan’s own abilities and help him to prepare for his End Point Assessment.
His leadership also extends to environmental responsibility. Rhyllan has spearheaded sustainability efforts at Kobra Construction, advocating for battery-powered tools, sourcing timber from replanting schemes and promoting local materials to reduce emissions. He introduced segregated skips to improve recycling and actively encourages eco-friendly practices, resulting in measurable reductions in waste and carbon output.
The college spokesman added: “Rhyllan is not just laying bricks, he’s laying the foundation for a future defined by excellence, innovation,and integrity. His journey is a powerful testament to what passion, discipline and support can achieve.”
Kristina Swancott
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Kristina Swancott has become such a valuable member of the team at Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent that her colleagues say she is making an impact on the wider work of the charity as well as within the finance team where her role is based.
The 21-year-old joined the team at CASNS two years ago and balances her professional responsibilities with activities that contribute to staff morale and wellbeing.
Kristina has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Emily said: “Kristina is an outstanding young professional who has shown remarkable growth and commitment over the past two years.
“At just 21, she has successfully completed her AAT Level 2 at Newcastle College and is embarking on her AAT Level 3, demonstrating her determination to continually learn and develop her skills.
“Since joining CASNS Kristina has quickly become an invaluable member of the finance team. Her contributions have been instrumental in supporting the charity’s successes, ensuring our services are financially secure so that we can continue to support the most vulnerable people in our community.
“What makes Kristina truly exceptional is that she doesn’t just limit herself to her role alone. She actively gets involved in wider organisational initiatives, always contributing toward us achieving our mission and vision.
“She embodies our values of integrity, commitment and teamwork, bringing positivity and dedication to everything she does. She is a representative on the staff forum for the support services team, ensuring that colleagues’ voices are heard and their needs are fed back to the management team.
“Furthermore she is leading the organisation of our staff Christmas Party, demonstrating her ability to balance professional responsibilities with activities that contribute to staff morale and wellbeing.
“Kristina’s progression in such a short space of time highlights her potential to achieve great things in the future. She is not only excelling in her professional development but also contributing to the wider impact of the charity.
“Her drive, talent, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a role model for other young people starting out in their careers.
“has already achieved so much and has the potential to accomplish even more in the years to come.”
Michelle Hickmott
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Former England footballer Michelle Hickmott was recently appointed as the new Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Michelle, who played left-back for the Lionesses, will also be the first person from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to complete a Senior Leader Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire when she graduates this summer.
She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by her tutors.
Michelle joined Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as an assistant chief fire officer in 2022.
She has two decades of experience within the fire and rescue sector, having previously worked in Warwickshire, London and at The Fire Service College.
Michelle was an instructor at The Fire Service College, where she worked to help new and existing firefighters enhance their professional practice, and subsequently worked for London Fire Brigade as a borough commander in Kensington and Chelsea.
At Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Michelle has been leading the upgrade of learning and development facilities at headquarters, focusing on modernising the training environment.
This project includes implementing the ‘clean concept’, which involves rigorous cleaning processes for firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment to reduce contaminants and associated risks.
Michelle’s mentor, Glynn Luznyj, who becomes the new Chief Fire Officer of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service in June, has praised her innovative ideas, creativity and effective management.
In her sporting career she represented Birmingham City FC, Fulham FC, Coventry FC and Charlton FC from 2003 to 2011 before taking on a managerial role with Birmingham Football Association. She represented England in a 4-1 win against Finland in 2009.
Grace Williams
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Grace Williams is both an apprentice herself and an apprentice support lead, working with more than 50 fellow apprentices at The HEX Group.
Under Grace’s support and leadership, The HEX Group achieved a 100% apprenticeship pass rate for all learners completing qualifications in both 2024 and 2025.
She has developed into far more than a mentor or coordinator. She is a trusted advocate, culture-builder and influential voice shaping the experience, wellbeing and future success of more than 50 apprentices across The HEX Group at any one time.
Grace plays a pivotal role in guiding learners throughout their apprenticeship journey while simultaneously excelling in her own Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship.
She has been instrumental in creating a highly engaged apprentice culture where learners feel genuine belonging and connection within the organisation. Through quarterly enrichment days, mentoring initiatives and tailored one-to-one support, Grace has helped foster a workplace culture where apprentices actively want to stay, contribute and grow.
Grace proactively championed more inclusive Level 2 apprenticeship pathways and introduced SEND-friendly and kinaesthetic learning approaches to ensure opportunities remained accessible for all individuals, regardless of their background or learning style.
She coordinates CSR initiatives around critical issues that could affect younger learners, including mental health and gambling awareness, helping to position apprenticeships as not only career pathways, but environments where young people feel psychologically safe and understood.
Grace modernised apprentice engagement through developing a social media strategy, generating more than 350,000 TikTok views in under six months, helping to raise the profile of apprenticeships amongst younger audiences in an authentic and relatable way, and develop new skills amongst current apprentices. In the 2026 recruitment period since the channel launched, applications have risen by 79% compared to 2025.
Karen Barnacle, The HEX Group’s Group People and Culture Director, said: ”Grace is an exceptional colleague, whose influence is felt across every learner journey she supports. She combines a deep commitment to apprentice success with a highly personalised, proactive approach, ensuring each individual is not only supported but empowered to achieve their full potential.
“What sets Grace apart is her ability to balance high expectations with genuine care. She builds trust, drives engagement and creates an enriched environment where apprentices succeed. Her unwavering dedication to learner development makes her an invaluable leader in this space, and a true asset to the company.”
Grace said: “Completing my apprenticeship while supporting other learners has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities apprentices experience. It has strengthened my confidence, expanded my skills and reinforced my passion for helping others achieve their potential.”
She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Harvey O'Brien
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Harvey O'Brien combines his role as a junior consultant with business transformation consultancy Lean Tree with studying for a degree apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
A final year student, Harvey is studying Digital Technology Solutions with a specialism in IT Consulting.
He has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Phil James, course leader for digital degree apprenticeships at University of Staffordshire.
Phil James said: “Throughout his apprenticeship, Harvey has received consistent praise from mentors and clients. Feedback highlights his professionalism, proactive engagement and positive attitude, with his mentor describing him as a pleasure to work with and a significant asset to the team.
“Harvey exemplifies what it means to be an Apprentice of the Year. He has taken full ownership of his development, embraced every opportunity to grow and delivered tangible impact beyond expectations. His enthusiasm, dedication and continued progression make him a truly deserving nominee.”
Will Knight
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Alongside working at Capula and studying for a Level 6 Digital Technology Solutions Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire, Will Knight has supported Capula initiatives in primary and secondary education, helping to raise awareness of STEM subjects and apprenticeship pathways.
He also took part in the Three Peaks Challenge on behalf of Capula, contributing to a fundraising total of £24,512 for the charity Mind.
Will has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Dan Rodrigues, Will’s mentor, said: ““I'm delighted that Will has been nominated for Apprentice of the Year. I've had the pleasure of supporting Will as his mentor and also worked closely with him on a large project throughout his apprenticeship.
“Will has consistently displayed the qualities of an outstanding software engineer from a very early stage and has repeatedly demonstrated the capability to analyse complex challenges, identify effective solutions and deliver high quality results under pressure.
“His resilience and dedication during particularly challenging periods on the project have been especially impressive and has reflected a level of professionalism beyond his years.
“Will has supported several other projects during his time at Capula which highlights his capacity for collaboration and I have personally received glowing feedback from stakeholders, both internal and external.
“Will has a refreshing and spirited energy and is the kind of person who always shows up for others.”
Will hopes to continue his studies with a Masters in Software Engineering.
Brandan Baddeley
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Apprentice Brandan Baddeley’s development has translated directly into measurable value for his employer, Capula.
Brandan is studying for an Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.
His employers have praised his “outstanding commitment to professional development and the positive impact he has delivered to Capula and its clients.”
Brandan’s mentor, Nick Moreira-White said: “Brandan is one of the most impressive apprentices I’ve worked with. From very early on, he has carried himself professionally, been reliable, and shown a real passion for engineering and learning.
“What stands out most however is his proactiveness with his own development. He’s constantly asking questions, wanting to understand things properly rather than just doing the task in front of him, and actively looking for opportunities to widen his experience by working with different teams and getting involved in different projects wherever he can. You can tell he genuinely wants to become the best engineer he can be.
“His technical knowledge is also well beyond what would be expected at this stage of an apprenticeship. There have been occasions where he’s challenged our thinking in a positive way and even taught some of us things about hardware we work on regularly. That confidence and willingness to contribute, while still being respectful and eager to learn, is a rare quality.
“Overall, Brandan is dependable, motivated, and a credit to the apprenticeship programme at Capula and I look forward to working alongside him and watching his career in engineering develop.”
Brandan consistently goes beyond expectations by volunteering his time to support additional work and business activities. This includes project involvement and outreach activities where he engages with students to promote engineering apprenticeships.
Brandan has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
Jemma Cooper
Apprentice of the Year nominee
Jemma Cooper is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy but she is determined that it will not stop her from graduating from University of Staffordshire.
She has faced significant personal challenges while studying for an Operations or Departmental Manager Apprenticeship but set herself the personal goal of completing the apprenticeship and attending graduation.
Jemma, who combines her studies with working as a goods inwards supervisor at Stone-based Owlett-Jaton, has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Su Wright, a work-based education officer at the University.
Sue said: “Jemma is an exceptional apprentice whose journey embodies resilience, leadership and meaningful impact. During her time on the ODMA course she has faced profoundly challenging personal circumstances. She tragically lost her brother and, whilst still processing this loss, was diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing aggressive treatment.
“However, this nomination is not based on adversity alone, it is based on how Jemma has responded. Throughout these challenges she has demonstrated extraordinary strength and professionalism.
“Her unwavering goal has been to complete her apprenticeship and attend graduation, in whatever way possible, reflecting her commitment to personal achievement and growth.
“Academically, Jemma’s progress has been remarkable. She began the course uncertain of her ability to succeed, yet through dedication and perseverance, she has achieved an overall Distinction. This transformation highlights not only her capability but her determination to exceed expectations.
“Within her workplace at Owlett-Jaton, Jemma has made a tangible and lasting impact. She is a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively driving cultural change within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“She has gone beyond theory, identifying organisational needs and sourcing unconscious bias training, which has since been successfully implemented across the business. This initiative has contributed to a more inclusive and self-aware workforce.”
Su added: “Her cohort and course team are incredibly proud of her and look forward to celebrating her achievements at graduation.”