Award Winners 2024

Alexia Seabrook

The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star of the Year Award

Alexia works as an apprenticeship trainer for HWS Restaurants Ltd while also completing a higher-level apprenticeship. Earning qualifications from level 3 to 6, she has been promoted several times and is now recognised as future talent. Alexia oversees apprentice development and has driven business results, influenced strategy, and gained confidence to tackle new challenges.

BAE Systems Plc

The Aptem Social Justice Employer of the Year Award

BAE Systems is the UK’s largest defence and technology company, with approximately 4,000 apprentices across 60 programmes at levels 2-7 in air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company designs, manufactures, and integrates equipment, technologies, and services, employing 39,600 people. In 2023, BAE invested £230 million in skills and education, including over £130 million in apprentice training.

Alexia Williams

The Royal Navy Degree Level Apprentice of the Year Award

Alexia is a Through Life Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce, currently pursuing a Masters Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering. Starting as an Aerospace Engineering Apprentice in 2018, she earned First-Class Honours in 2022. As the first woman at Rolls-Royce to take this course, Alexia has contributed over 200 hours promoting STEM at air shows, career fairs, and schools, inspiring future engineers

Fernanda Vargas

The Gatsby T Level Student of the Year Award

Fernanda, is a Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice at IBM. Her T Level enabled her to gain skills and experience in the AI sector. Fernanda has contributed to AI solutions for a major UK banking group and uses her skills to promote STEM careers and apprenticeships. She is passionate about inclusion and advocating for educational opportunities for minorities.

Lloyds Banking Group

The Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year Award

Lloyds Banking Group, committed to “Helping Britain Prosper,” has invested in over 10,000 apprenticeships across all levels. T Levels are integral to its next-generation talent strategy, with 120 placements this year and 50% progressing to apprenticeships. Through T Levels, Lloyds fosters local talent, supports skill development, and fulfils organisational goals, with 100% positive feedback from both students and managers.

En:Able Futures

The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award

EN:Able Futures is a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency, with seven staff, it supports 69 apprentices . By managing HR and training, EN:Able Futures allows host businesses to focus on their core activities. Committed to nurturing talent from disadvantaged areas, it empowers apprentices to achieve their career goals while delivering value for employers.

Marcus Richards

The Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award

Marcus Richards, 33, has completed his Commis Chef apprenticeship, advancing his career from kitchen team member to area kitchen manager. With his strong desire to learn, he gained valuable skills and on-the-job experience while balancing his personal life during his apprenticeship. Starting as a kitchen team leader, he now serves as an area kitchen manager and highly recommends the apprenticeship route to others for career growth.

Anisha Roberts

The BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award

Working as an apprentice engineer at Williams Jet Tenders, pursuing an EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering. As a mother of two returning to education after ten years, she is grateful for the opportunities her apprenticeship provides. Passionate about inclusivity in STEM, Anisha advocates for special educational needs and promotes sustainability at Williams through recycling and reusable materials.

Grace Hardy

The Sodexo Special Recognition Award

Grace is the founder of Hardy Accounting, setting up the business at the age of 21. She completed her accountancy apprenticeship in 2023, alongside achieving AAT Levels 3 and 4. Her apprenticeship ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and gave her the experience and insight into the operations of various business. Grace has also founded a charity ‘Money Hive’ which provides free financial education workshops to students, teachers and parents, reaching over 100 schools in London. She also founded a popular podcast, ‘The Unconventional Podcast’, championing apprenticeships and skills.

Huw Davies

The IfATE Skills Development Partner of the Year Award

Huw leads apprenticeship standards in Broadcast, Data, Machine Learning, and AI engineering, while managing BBC training programmes in corporate and technology fields. Starting in hospitality before transitioning to media technology at the BBC, Huw recently achieved Chartered CIPD Fellow status and continue to collaborate with industry partners to deliver impactful apprenticeship standards.

Capgemini

The QA Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award

Capgemini, a global leader in consulting and digital transformation with 12,000 UK employees, supports over 360 apprentices. Apprenticeships are central to its strategy, closing the digital skills gap and fostering diverse, future-ready talent. With 40 standards from Level 3 to 7, Capgemini empowers individuals from all backgrounds to excel, fuelling innovation and inclusivity across its workforce.

Robert Ramsay Gosling-Kennedy

The British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award

Robert is a Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprentice. Saving over £2 million for his employer Robert has become an ambassador for apprenticeships. His proudest achievements include founding the Science Apprentices Forum and launching the Apprenticeship Decent Wage Pledge. Through project management, outreach, and mentoring, he aims to create a lasting positive impact.

Ray Olive

The Royal Air Force Skills Champion of the Year Award

Ray is the Associate Director for Learning and Improvement with the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. He champions education for all to enhance social mobility through skills development. Progressing from Army Apprentice to training apprentices, Ray has contributed to national Technical Education policy and advised the DfE on T Level matters.