Annual Apprenticeship Awards 2025
Salford City College Group proudly hosted our 2025 Annual Apprenticeship Awards on Thursday, 13th February at FutureSkills, bringing together apprentices, employers, and the College apprenticeship delivery and supprt teams to celebrate outstanding achievements in apprenticeship training and development.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome, featuring a lively drinks reception and an uplifting musical performance. Attendees engaged in networking and shared in the excitement of the evening as they prepared to honour the dedication and hard work of apprentices and employers alike.
The ceremony opened with an address from Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Salford City College Group, who expressed his admiration for the dedication demonstrated by apprentices and their employers. “This is, without a doubt, my favourite event of the year,” Allan stated. “It is a chance to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our apprentices and extend our gratitude to the employers who support their growth and success.”
Following Allan’s speech, Group Principal Rebecca Parks took to the stage to extend a warm welcome to all attendees and express appreciation for those who contribute to the College Group’s thriving apprenticeship programmes.
A show-stopping performance by the Pendleton Sixth Form College Contemporary Choir set an inspiring tone for the evening, followed by insightful speeches from guest speakers. Matt Ainsworth, Director of Skills, Work, and Inclusive Economy at Salford City Council, spoke on the significance of apprenticeships in fostering career opportunities in Salford, while Henry Adu-Opoku, last year’s Apprentice of the Year winner, shared his inspiring journey within the care sector since his award.
Recognising Excellence: 2025 Award Winners
The evening’s highlight was the highly anticipated awards presentation, acknowledging individuals and organisations that have made remarkable contributions to apprenticeships.Employer Awards
- Small Employer of the Year – Wilde Consultants Ltd
- Medium Employer of the Year – Kimpton
- Large Private Sector Employer of the Year – Vital Energi Utilities Ltd
- Large Public Sector Employer of the Year – Bury Council
Trainee of the Year
- Winner: Anthony Mennino
Apprentice of the Year Awards
- Business and Professional Apprentice of the Year – Indiana Roberts (The Grange School)
- Care Apprentice of the Year – Jack Morris (Wigan Council)
- Construction Apprentice of the Year – Fletcher Bourdon (Premier Building Services)
- Early Years Apprentice of the Year – Princesa Vizcaya (KidzRUs)
- Hospitality Apprentice of the Year – Nicola Hughes (The Good Shepherd Convent)
- Level 3 Leadership & Management Apprentice of the Year – Luke Jeffery (Bury Council)
- Level 4/5 Leadership & Management Apprentice of the Year – Rebecca Eccleston (Salford City Council)
- Campbell Cummings Building Services Engineer Apprentice of the Year – Augustus Benne (Liberty)
- Professional Construction Apprentice of the Year – Niamh Mitchell (Jamieson Contracting Ltd)
- Overall Apprentice of the Year – Niamh Mitchell (Jamieson Contracting Ltd)
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
At Salford City College Group, we take immense pride in the achievements of all nominees and winners. The Annual Apprenticeship Awards serve as a testament to the impact of apprenticeships on individual career progression, business success, and the wider community.
We are incredibly proud of our apprentices and the employers who support them. The commitment, dedication, and achievements celebrated tonight highlight the power of apprenticeships in shaping bright futures and driving industry excellence.
Salford City College Group remains committed to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities that empower individuals and businesses to thrive.
To find out more about our apprenticeship programmes and how they can benefit you or your business, visit www.salfordcc.ac.uk.
