'Incredible entries': Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025 finalists announced

The awards, organised by the Express & Star in conjunction with the Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation, are a celebration of the outstanding individuals, training providers and businesses shaping the region’s thriving apprenticeship community.

After a meticulous round of judging, the 2025 shortlisted finalists across 14 categories have now been selected and they will now be invited to a glittering awards ceremony on November 20 when the winners will be announced.

The ceremony, which will take place at The Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill in the Dudley borough, will highlight the achievements of apprentices and the crucial roles played by employers and training providers in developing talent for the future.

A spokesperson for The Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation congratulated the finalists and said: “On November 20, we will celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices and employers, along with the fantastic job training providers, colleges and universities do in shaping the future workforce and supporting individuals on their lifelong learning journey.

“These awards honour the hard work, dedication, and innovation that apprentices contribute to their employer, and the positive impact the apprenticeship brand has on the individual, be it at their employment starting point, or upskilling to enable promotion and all the rewards that come with this. 

“We continue to be amazed with the standard of applications, and the contribution individuals can make locally, regionally and nationally.

“Thank you to the sponsors whose support makes this celebration possible and good luck to all the finalists, who have achieved much just by being nominated as a finalist.

“We look forward to celebrating with you and recognising your achievements!”

An esteemed panel of judges comprising industry experts diligently reviewed every nomination to determine this year’s finalists and winners.

Mark Drew, editor-in-chief of the Express & Star, said: “The judging process was meticulous, reflecting the high calibre of submissions received. We extend our sincere thanks to our judging panel.

“Their expertise and careful consideration have been invaluable in selecting a group of finalists that truly represent the passion, talent and ambition driving apprenticeships across the Black Country.” 

He added: “The campaign has once again seen incredible entries from across the Black Country, with nominations submitted by apprentices themselves, employers, colleagues and training providers. Categories also recognise outstanding employers and mentors who go above and beyond to nurture apprenticeship talent.”

The awards evening will get underway from 6.45pm with welcome drinks for guests, followed by a celebratory evening of networking, dinner and award presentations.

The 2025 finalists:

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

• Alex Jones, Fierce Hairdressing Limited

• Anthony Clayton, Birmingham City Council

• Harry Bown, Fairlawns Hotel and Spa

• Jacob Robinson, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

• Rubie Fletcher, Fierce Hairdressing Limited

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

• Abigail Barton, Cavan Vets

• Aimee Archer, Chuckery Primary School

• Brooke Coles, Black Country Transport

• Chloe Whittingham, Air Care Compressors Limited

• Ellie Mountford, Music Box Nursery Darlaston

• Isabella Harrison, TMT First Limited

Higher Apprentice of the Year

• Kate Benton, Bilston Dental Practice

• Kelly Anne Russell, Wolverhampton Council

• Liam Downing, Wolverhampton Council

• Paul Hampshire, Carwood Diesel Systems

Degree Apprentice of the Year

• Anya Devaney, Birmingham City University

• Gurjot Kaur, School Of Coding & AI

• Lucy Barford, Wolverhampton Council

• Matthew Randle, Dreamland Bedding Centre

• Natasha Parbhakar, School Of Coding & AI

Construction Apprentice of the Year

• Jasmine Johnson, M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd

• Tom Hardman, Lovells

Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year

• Anthony Nicholls, European Heathyards

• Divya Kaur, Carwood Motor Units Limited

• Jessica Stote, AluCast

• Joshua Hampton, Black Country Transport

• Leighton Roberts, WHS Plastics

Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year

• Daniel Picken, Walsall College

• Kelly Anne Russell, Wolverhampton Council

• Sarah Fones, Dudley College of Technology

Professional Services Apprentice of the Year

• Chloe Ward, Fred Smith & Sons Ltd

• Ifeoluwa Opasanya, Sandwell College

• Liam Downing, Wolverhampton Council

• Lucy Barford, Wolverhampton Council

Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year

• Adam Slade, Dudley Council 

• Ashley Lovatt, TMT First Limited

• Luke Markham, Pathway First Ltd

• Natasha Parbhakar, School Of Coding & AI

Mentor of the Year

• Des Chambers, M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd

• Henry Leavy-Howes, TMT First Limited

• Paul Smith, Carwood Motor Units Limited

• Tammy Mallet, Fierce Hairdressing Limited

• Tony Poulton, M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd

Apprentice Ambassador of the Year

• Clare Palmer, Dudley Council 

• Kirstie Stuart, M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd

SME Employer of the Year

• Carwood Motor Units Limited

• Fred Smith & Sons Ltd

• Maple Tree Nursery

• Penny Post Group Credit Union (PPG)

• Rhymes Day Nursery Dudley

• Sandwell Accountancy Services

• TMT First Limited

Large Employer of the Year

• The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust – Apprenticeship Team

• Wolverhampton Council

• M & A Doocey Civil Engineering Ltd

• Sandwell Council

• Specsavers Fulfilment Services Ltd

Training Provider/Programme of the Year

• Crosby Management Training's Specialist Apprenticeships

• HIT Training Ltd

• Lifetime

• Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust