Marking its 22nd year, the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 celebrated apprentices, T Level students, employers and skills champions from across the country for their outstanding accomplishments.
Apprentices working in diverse roles across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, engineering and hospitality were celebrated for their achievements.
Apprentice winner transforms lives through housing maintenance
Elyssa Marshall, a Multi-Skilled Operative Apprentice at Yorkshire Housing in North Yorkshire, won The Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award for her Property Maintenance Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Elyssa Marshall said:
"I'm absolutely honoured to receive this award. For me, this apprenticeship is about more than learning a trade – it's about making a real difference to people's lives. Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable home, and being able to contribute to that whilst developing my skills has been incredibly rewarding. I've been fortunate to learn from amazing colleagues at Yorkshire Housing and my two mentors who've supported my development every step of the way. This recognition means so much and has motivated me to continue growing, through completion of my joinery course, joining the Apprentice Ambassador Network, and supporting other young people considering a career in this industry. I'm excited about what the future holds and grateful for this opportunity to prove that apprenticeships can truly transform lives."
T Level student introduces innovation during industry placement
Ryan Skitt, 17, studying a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning at Thomas Telford University Technical College, won The Gatsby T Level Student of the Year Award. His placement is at Baily Garner LLP.
Ryan Skitt said:
"Winning T Level Student of the Year is an incredible honour. The T Level has given me so many opportunities that I never imagined possible, such as introducing new technology at my employer, Baily Garner. The T Level suited me perfectly, I'm now working alongside experienced architects and technicians. I highly recommend T Levels to other young people – they offer a real pathway into your chosen industry with hands-on experience that builds genuine skills. If my journey can inspire other students to explore T Levels and see what they can achieve, then that means everything to me."
The prestigious award ceremony also celebrated employers, large and small, who are advocates of apprenticeships and the many advantages they bring to business growth. These employers benefit from training employees from the ground up, building a talent pipeline with the exact skills their organisations need.
Construction leader demonstrates commitment to T Level placements
Bowmer and Kirkland, one of the UK's largest privately-owned construction groups employing approximately 2,000 people, received The Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year Award for its T Level programme.
A spokesperson for Bowmer and Kirkland said:
"We're immensely proud to receive this recognition for our T Level programme. For us, T Levels bring diversity into construction and fresh perspectives whilst addressing the challenges of an ageing workforce. Crucially, they give us the chance to spot early talent – we see what students can do in a real work environment, and they experience what a construction career truly offers before stepping into an apprenticeship and, hopefully, a long-term career with us. This award reflects the dedication of our teams who mentor these students and transfer invaluable knowledge to the younger generation. Starting with just two industry placements in 2020, we've now delivered over 190 placements and have ambitious plans for growth. We're excited to show construction as an industry where everyone can build a rewarding future."
SME demonstrates excellence in apprenticeship provision
Attwells Solicitors, a regional law firm based in East Anglia and London, was awarded The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award.
A spokesperson for Attwells Solicitors said:
"We're delighted to be recognised as SME Apprentice Employer of the Year. This award reflects our commitment to developing talent through apprenticeships rather than traditional routes. We've seen firsthand how apprenticeships create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build successful legal careers whilst earning and learning. Our apprentices aren't just learners; they're valued team members who contribute to our growth and help us deliver excellent service to clients. We're proud to champion this model and look forward to continuing to nurture the next generation of legal professionals."
Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith, stated:
"Congratulations to all the employers, apprentices, and T Level students from across the country recognised at the 2025 awards. Your commitment to skills and technical education is building the foundations for economic growth and opportunity in every part of the United Kingdom.
"Apprenticeships and T Levels provide essential pathways to rewarding careers whilst creating the skilled workforce our economy needs. These awards showcase the transformative impact of high-quality training – for individuals, businesses, and communities. Well done to all the winners and finalists."
Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to earn while learning valuable skills across a wide array of sectors, from engineering to childcare. There are high-quality apprenticeships available in over 700 occupations, and apprenticeship standards for each occupation are designed by employers.
T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
2025 Award winners:
The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star of the Year Award
Jagtara Singh Taak from Loch Law.
The British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award
Anas Shiham Abdulwahid from IBM Consulting.
The Gatsby T Level Student of the Year Award
Ryan Skitt from Baily Garner.
The Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year Award
Bowmer and Kirkland.
The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award
Attwells Solicitors.
The Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award
Elyssa Marshall from Yorkshire Housing Association.
The BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award
Katie House from Specsavers.
The Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year Award
Bagnalls.
NOCN Group Special Recognition Award 2025
Bethany Taylor from Eversheds Sutherland.
The QA Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award
Specsavers.
The Royal Navy Degree Level Apprentice of the Year Award
Kieren Buxton from Moore Networking Ltd / Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd (TrAC).
The Royal Air Force Skills Champion of the Year Award
Katy Dorman from Apprenticeships Norfolk – Norfolk County Council.
