Award Winners 2022
The 19th National Apprenticeship Awards took place on Wednesday 30th November 2022.
Celebrating the outstanding apprentices and employers who are at the heart of the government’s mission to boost skills and extend the ladder of opportunity to all.
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:
“Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists from this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards. I’m passionate about apprenticeships and the benefits they bring to individuals, businesses and communities up and down the country. These outstanding apprentices and their employers are leading the way, demonstrating just how rewarding apprenticeships can be.
Apprenticeships are an essential rung on the ladder of opportunity, offering people of all ages and backgrounds, the chance to earn while they learn the skills they need to build successful careers while delivering the workforce employers need to flourish.”
The ceremony was hosted by journalist and TV presenter, Steph McGovern, who started her own career as an apprentice engineer. Steph’s success demonstrates the variety of exciting career paths and serves as an inspiration for current and future apprentices from all walks of life.
You can find out more about our 2022 national winners below.
Your Winners
Troup Bywaters + Anders
The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Award for SME Employer of the Year
TB+A are a high-performing building services engineering consultancy established in 1958, currently employing 248 people across seven UK offices.
With Engineering and Business Support apprentices making up 22% of their workforce, their apprenticeship scheme is the soul of their partnership, keeping them youthful and sustainable. Established teams take pride in nurturing and developing talent, and the vast majority of senior people have grown through the business together – sharing knowledge and instilling a sense of commitment to others across the organisation.
Samuel Johnson
The Babington Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Samuel Johnson is completing a Level 2 Credit Controller apprenticeship at United Utilities, Warrington.
His apprenticeship has given him professional skills, recognised qualifications and a living wage all rolled into one. As a result, he has expanded his knowledge of the field he’s interested in – including how FTSE100 companies operate – whilst having the finances to enjoy his personal life, debt free. He wants to spread the message that apprenticeships work, and inspire the next generation to reap the same benefits.
KMF Group Limited
The British Army Award for Large Employer of the Year
KMF is a sheet metal fabrication firm in Staffordshire. They have 400 employees and 30 current apprentices in Engineering Operations and Metal Fabricator standards with progression onto Level 6 Standards.
Apprentices have undoubtedly brought innovation, increased productivity and improved staff retention to all departments within KMF. They have established an innovative approach to apprentice recruitment and STEM encouragement, based around powerful community engagement. Their goal for recruitment in 2023 will see intake increase by more than 50%.
Ali Amin
The BT Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year
Ali Amin is an Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician at Shawpak, Derbyshire.
His advanced apprenticeship has given him a new-found confidence in all aspects of his life. As an ambassador for apprenticeships, he delivers open days at local institutions and acts as an apprentice mentor within Shawpak. Thanks to the knowledge and support he has received on the Level 3 programme, Ali has been motivated to start a bachelor’s Level 6 apprenticeship, to help develop medical machinery.
Eisosa Abdullahi
The Royal Navy Award for Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year
Eisosa Abdullahi is a London-based solution engineer currently undertaking a Level 6 Digital and Technical Solutions apprenticeship at Salesforce.
The apprenticeship program has had a tremendous impact on Eisosa, empowering him to use creativity and find ways to improve himself each day. His efforts embracing new initiatives and opportunities led to Eisosa winning the Customer Success Award within the solution engineering team and he now regularly takes part in panels and insight days as an apprentice ambassador.
British Broadcasting Corporation
The Amazon Award for Macro Employer of the Year
The BBC is the world’s leading public service broadcaster. They have 17,000 staff, in 200 global locations, with 450 apprentices across 37 production, technology, journalism and business schemes.
Attracting over 20,000 applications a year, the BBC is committed to using apprenticeships to address critical skills gaps, stimulate creativity and diversity, and support career development and succession planning. By 2025 they plan to double their commitment, reaching 1,000 apprentices for an even bigger impact and closer reflection of their audience.
Kimmy Kimani Hobbs
The Royal Air Force Award for Apprenticeship Champion of the Year
Based in Milton Keynes, Kimmy Kimani Hobbs has successfully completed a Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship and currently works at Milton Keynes College.
Her apprenticeship journey has been full of surprises, and educated her on how far apprenticeships have come since she was in school. Winner of the 2020 BAME Apprentice of the Year Award and the Legal and Professional Services Award, she continues to advocate for apprenticeships as a viable option alongside university, especially within BAME communities.
British Broadcasting Corporation
The Royal Mail Award for Recruitment Excellence
The BBC is the world’s leading public service broadcaster. They have 17,000 staff, in 200 global locations, with 450 apprentices across 37 production, technology, journalism and business schemes.
Attracting over 20,000 applications a year, the BBC is committed to using apprenticeships to address critical skills gaps, stimulate creativity and diversity, and support career development and succession planning. By 2025 they plan to double their commitment, reaching 1,000 apprentices for an even bigger impact and closer reflection of their audience.
Thomas Bartlett
The Lloyds Banking Group Award for Rising Star
Thomas Bartlett is currently completing a Senior Leader apprenticeship with an integrated master’s degree through Crosby Management Training.
The confidence, knowledge, skills and behaviours Thomas has developed on his apprenticeship journey have enabled him to grow from an HR apprentice to Chief Operating Officer, all within five years. Most importantly he has learnt the value of supporting innovation and encouraging talented colleagues, and now leads his own team of three apprentices.