The Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill, in the Dudley borough, played host to the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025, organised by the Express & Star in partnership with The Ladder for the Black Country.

The event, hosted by Richard Williams, shone a spotlight on the rising stars from across different sectors of industry, ranging from construction and trades to healthcare, tech and hospitality firms, while the industry's very best training providers were also recognised.

Mark Drew, Express & Star editor in chief, said: “Young people are often unfairly stereotyped, yet so many are working hard to shape their futures. 

“These awards shine a spotlight on those making remarkable strides and show that we see and celebrate them. 

"Apprenticeships are a powerful example of this, proving that learning and earning can go hand in hand. By blending education with real-world experience, apprentices are becoming adaptable, innovative professionals, closing skills gaps and strengthening our local economy. 

“They stand proudly between both worlds — education and work — and are breaking barriers, building careers and driving progress.”

Hundreds of guests attended the event which began with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal, then the glittering awards ceremony which boasted 14 award categories - recognising outstanding apprentices from across the region and the employers and training providers who support them.  

The 2025 winners:

The Intermediate Apprentice of the Year award was won by Harry Bown, of Fairlawns Hotel and Spa.

The judges said Harry has “exceeded expectations in hospitality, taking on senior responsibilities with maturity and professionalism” and that his. technical growth, leadership, and respect from colleagues have made him stand out.

Rubie Fletcher, of Fierce Hairdressing Limited, was highly commended.

Brooke Coles, of Black Country Transport, won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year title.

The judges said “Brooke’s achievements demonstrate measurable impact, professionalism, and leadership potential” and her innovation, results, and contribution to organisational success mark out her as a future leader and true inspiration.

The Higher Apprentice of the Year title went to Liam Downing, of Wolverhampton Council.

The judges said Liam’s commitment to public service is “outstanding”. They added: “His professionalism, inclusivity, and leadership at Wolverhampton Council show how apprenticeships can inspire growth, loyalty, and community transformation.”

Kelly Anne Russell, of Wolverhampton Council, was highly commended.

Matthew Randle, of Dreamland Bedding Centre, was named Degree Apprentice of the Year.

The judges said: “Matthew’s leadership and ethical approach drive major industry change. His research, community engagement, and business growth demonstrate exceptional influence and a powerful commitment to sustainability.”

Matthew, who won an award for the second year running - last year taking home the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality title, said: “I’m happy I've won but very surprised.”

Tom Hardman, of Lovells, was awarded the Construction Apprentice of the Year title.

The judges said: “Tom demonstrates outstanding academic and practical excellence. His technical mastery, leadership, and tangible workplace impact highlight exceptional achievement, distinction-level results, and a strong professional journey.”

The Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year accolade went to Joshua Hampton, of Black Country Transport.

The judges said “Joshua combines high-level academic and workplace success with a focus on sustainability” adding that his “achievements and organisational impact show dedication and strong professional capability”.

Kelly Anne Russell, of Wolverhampton Council, was named Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year

The judges described Kelly as “an outstanding nominee showcasing passion, perseverance, and innovation in sensory rehabilitation” and they added: “Her evidence-rich submission highlights exceptional impact, emotional intelligence, and dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals.”

The Professional Services Apprentice of the Year title went to Lucy Barford, of Wolverhampton Council, with Liam Downing, also from Wolverhampton Council, highly commended.

The judges praised Lucy’s “trailblazing approach in her Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship” saying it highlights career progression, mentorship, and outreach and they added: “Her professionalism and contributions inspire future generations in law and leadership.”

Lucy said she was “really thrilled” to have won, adding: “It’s so nice to be recognised for the hard work that we do. It’s been really exciting. I’ve had a great time.”

Natasha Parbhakar, of School Of Coding & AI, was crowned Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year.

The judges said of Natasha: “Demonstrating excellence in innovation, inclusion, and leadership, Natasha’s measurable achievements and inspiring approach have made a lasting impact within her organisation and the wider digital community.”

She praised the School of Coding saying it “has done amazing things for me” - and she said of her success: “It feels kind of surreal, I wasn’t coming tonight to think that I was going to win.”

Tammy Mallett, of Fierce Hairdressing Limited, was named Mentor of the Year.

The judges said: “Tammy’s mentorship nurtures confidence, creativity, and professionalism. Her inspiring approach transforms apprentices and workplace culture alike, setting a standard of excellence and empowerment across her team.”

Kirstie Stuart, of  M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd, won the Apprentice Ambassador of the Year accolade.

The judges described her as “an inspirational industry advocate promoting apprenticeships” adding: “Kirstie drives employer engagement, pre-apprenticeship innovation, and positive collaborations, with strong evidence of impact and ambassadorial contribution across the sector.”

Kirstie said of her award win afterwards: “I’m absolutely thrilled.  It’s been a phenomenal evening.

“My role extends within the company to the apprentices but outside I’m an enterprise ambassador, so I get to go into schools, we do open days, our apprenticeship programme is a social value programme as well so I literally get to see the community, I get to see the schools, and the workplace, I get to feel it and see the achievements, the accomplishments and how it transforms people's lives. I’m very lucky to do the role that I do.”

The award for SME Employer of the Year went to Penny Post Group Credit Union (PPG)

The judges described the company as “A people-centred employer offering immersive, international experiences”. They added: “Their  apprenticeships enhance productivity, build confidence, and showcase innovation while aligning perfectly with the company’s values and community spirit.”

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust apprenticeship team won the award for Large Employer of the Year, with Wolverhampton Council highly commended.

The judges said the trust offers “an exemplary apprenticeship programme setting a national benchmark for impact and excellence” adding that its “strong evidence, clear metrics, and inspiring case studies reflect outstanding investment and employer leadership”.

Lifetime was awarded the Training Provider/Programme of the Year title, with Crosby Management Training's Specialist Apprenticeships highly commended.

The judges described Lifetime as “an outstanding national provider across 25+ sectors with nearly 19,000 completions” adding that “demonstrates exceptional quality, inclusivity, innovation, and measurable ROI, delivering systemic impact at scale”.

Full list of winners:

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

Winner -  Harry Bown, Fairlawns Hotel and Spa

Highly Commended awarded to Rubie Fletcher, Fierce Hairdressing Limited

Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner - Brooke Coles, Black Country Transport

Higher Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by Doocey Group

Winner - Liam Downing, City of Wolverhampton Council

Highly Commended awarded to Kelly Anne Russell, City of Wolverhampton Council

Degree Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network

Winner - Matthew Randle, Dreamland Bedding Centre

Professional Services Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by Higgs LLP

Winner - Lucy Barford, City of Wolverhampton Council

Highly Commended awarded to Liam Downing, City of Wolverhampton Council

Engineering / Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by Sandwell Council

Winner - Joshua Hampton, Black Country Transport

Construction Apprentice of the Year Award - sponsored by Dudley Colleges - Construction Technical Excellence College

Winner -  Tom Hardman, Lovells

Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year Award - sponsored by Sandwell College  

Winner - Kelly Anne Russell, City of Wolverhampton Council

Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner - Natasha Parbhakar, School Of Coding & AI

Mentor of the Year

Winner - Tammy Mallett, Fierce Hairdressing Limited

SME Employer of the Year 

Sponsored by Dudley College of Technology

Winner - Penny Post Group Credit Union

Large Employer of the Year - sponsored by Halesowen College

Winner -  The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust - Apprenticeship Team

Highly Commended awarded to City of Wolverhampton Council

Apprentice Ambassador - sponsored by JJX Logistics

Winner - Kirstie Stuart, M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd

Training Provider / Programme of the Year - sponsored by Performance Through People

Winner - Lifetime

Highly Commended awarded to Crosby Management Training Ltd