Luton Apprenticeship Awards 2025

Wednesday 26 February 2025, Putteridge Bury

Celebrating achievement, inspiring growth

The Luton Apprenticeship Awards has been launched to celebrate and recognise the achievements of apprentices, local employers, and training providers in our town.

Apprenticeships play a vital role in shaping the future workforce, providing individuals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build successful careers. They also enable businesses to nurture talent, drive innovation, and strengthen the local economy.

The 2025 Awards Showcased the outstanding talent or apprentices providers and organisations across Luton. The Awards attendees included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE DL, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Bav Shah, and MP Rachel Hopkins demonstrating the value of apprenticeships for the town.

Throughout the evening we heard a great number of inspiring stories about all finalists and celebrated all of their achievements. The full list of winners are as follows:

luton apprenticeship awards 2025

Award categories

Nominate outstanding achievers within our award categories as we shine a light on local success stories and showcase the positive impact of apprenticeships in Luton.

The nominee should either currently be enrolled on an apprenticeship or have completed it in the last 12-months, and be living or working in Luton to be nominated.

Winner of Apprentice of the Year 2025 – Tamara Crocker, TUI UK&I

This award celebrates an apprentice who has demonstrated outstanding performance, commitment, and growth in their apprenticeship. This award recognises the dedication and outstanding achievements of an apprentices who has made an outstanding contribution to their work and learning during their apprenticeship. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria – 

  • Excellence in skill development – Consistent demonstration of technical and professional skills learned during the apprenticeship.
  • Commitment and dedication – Showing enthusiasm for learning and improvement
  • Positive work impact – Significant contribution to the success of their team or company through innovative ideas, problem solving, or exceptional teamwork.
  • Professional growth – Demonstration of adaptability and a commitment to personal and professional growth throughout the apprenticeship, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities
  • Continues learning – Demonstrates a proactive approach to personal and  professional development, actively seeking opportunities to expand knowledge.

This award is sponsored by Luton North Rotary Club.

Rotary Great Britain & Ireland

Winner of Rising Star 2025 – Thomas Dadswell, TUI UK&I

Awarded to an apprentice who has shown significant potential and demonstrated exceptional qualities within a short period of their apprenticeship. These individuals show a dedication to learning and a clear trajectory for future leadership or excellence in their chosen field. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Proactive attitude – Takes initiative in their role and displays the ability to use information from a variety of sources to plan and execute tasks.
  • Natural leadership potential – Demonstrates emerging leadership skills through taking ownership of projects and challenges. Working collaboratively within a team and /or across teams.
  • Professionalism – Exhibits a high level of professionalism in all aspects of their role including communication, punctuality and work ethic.
  • Innovative thinking – Shows creativity and ability to bring new ideas that improve processes and solve problems in the workplace.

Winner of Community Impact 2025 – Kaval Hussain, Keech Hospice

Awarded to an apprentice whose efforts have had a meaningful impact on the local community, either directly through their work, engagement or advocacy. The apprentice has demonstrated how compassionate interventions have made a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Luton. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Community involvement– Actively participates in community outreach, Charity events or volunteering during the apprenticeships
  • Social responsibility – demonstrates a strong commitment to using skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others outside the workplace
  • Positive impact – Shows evidence of a measurable positive impact on a community project or cause.
  • Advocacy for social good – Promotes awareness of key social issues and advocates for community improvement within and beyond their apprenticeship setting.

This award is sponsored by Tui.

tui

Winner of Second Career 2025 – Rajendranath Busawon, Luton Adult Learning

Awarded to individuals who have entered an apprenticeship as a mature worker. This award celebrates continual upskilling, dedication to development and achieving notable success after a first career. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Commitment to learning – Demonstrates a strong desire and determination to continued learning and to transition into a new career, often after many years in a different field.
  • Adaptability and skills transfer – Shows ability to adapt to new learning environments and industries as well as demonstrating the ability to effectively transfer skills from previous careers.
  • Performance excellence – Displayed excellency within their new field and a high level of motivation to achieve future successes.

Winner of Young Apprentice 2025 – Daisy Brown, Stellantis (Vauxhall)

Celebrates the young apprentice (16-24) who have shown commitment to practical learning and developing of professional practice. This individual has demonstrated significant potential in their field and the promise of brilliance. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Outstanding achievement – Demonstrates significant progress strong communication and promise of leadership relative to their experience within their apprenticeship.
  • Team collaboration- Plays an important role in their team, either through teamwork, collaboration, or leadership. Developing great teamwork skills.
  • Ambition and Potential – Displays high levels of ambition, with a clear desire to progress further in their career.

This award is sponsored by Barnfield College.

Barnfield College logo

Winner of Women in Stem 2025 – Millie Henry, TUI UK&I

Recognises women who have excelled in science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) apprenticeships, making notable contributions to the field and demonstrate potential for future leadership and brilliance. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Excellence in STEM skills – Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in their chosen STEM field, consistently delivering high-quality work and innovation.
  • Advocacy for women in STEM – Actively promotes a STEM education and careers for women, advocating for gender diversity in the workplace.
  • Innovation and problem solving – Displays creativity and analytical skills, contributing to significant projects or solving complex technical problems
  • Leadership and influence – Plays an influential role in their team or organisation, often leading by example in STEM careers.

This award is sponsored by University of Bedfordshire.

Winner of Large Employer 2025 – TUI UK&I

Celebrates a large employer (with over 250 employees) that have shown dedication to apprentice development, offering robust programs with impactful results. This organisation offers a range of opportunities for numerous apprentices allowing for the creation of a learning network and a wide scale commitment to learning and upskilling. The organisation should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Commitment to apprenticeships – Demonstrates a positive commitment to offering a wide range of apprenticeships across different levels and departments
  • Structured support and development – Provides apprentices with clear training plans, mentorship, and opportunities for skill enhancement, ensuring both personal and professional growth.
  • Career progression – Offers apprentices clear pathways to permanent employment and career advancement within the organisation
  • Community and industry engagement – Fosters strong ties with the local community and industries to provide apprentices with networking opportunities, industry exposure, and community involvement
  • Must have over 250 employees

This award is sponsored by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

bedfordshire chamber of commerce

Winner of Small Employer 2025 – Neville Trust Ltd

Recognises a small employer (with under 250 employees) who excels in providing apprenticeships, with a strong focus on mentorship, targeted growth, and opportunities for professional and personal development. The organisation should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Commitment to apprenticeships – Demonstrates a deep commitment to apprenticeship training, offering high-quality programs tailored to the needs the apprentice.
  • Personalised mentorships – Offers apprentices close mentorship and hands-on training, providing an environment where they can learn directly from experienced professionals.
  • Career growth opportunities – Ensures that apprentices are given responsibilities that contribute to their growth and offers clear pathways to career progression within the business
  • Community contribution – Contributes to the local community by providing apprenticeship opportunities that encourage local talent development.
  • Must have under 250 employees

Winner of Mentor of the Year 2025 – Carley Fisher, TUI UK&I

Honours an individual mentor who has provided exceptional guidance, support, and development for apprentices. This mentor has supported the apprentice to develop their personal and professional growth. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Dedication to mentorship – Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the growth and success of their apprentices, offering continuous support, feedback, and encouragement.
  • Effective communication – Exhibits strong communication skills, ensuring that apprentices clearly understand their roles, tasks, and expectations while fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Personalised support – Tailors their mentoring approach to meet the individual needs of each apprentice, helping them overcome challenges and building their confidence.
  • Role model and inspiration – Acts as a role model in both professional conduct and ethical behaviour, inspiring apprentices to aim high in their careers.
  • Empowerment and growth – Encourages apprentices to take initiative, fosters independent thinking, and provides opportunities for apprentices to showcase their skills.

This award is sponsored by Oaklands College.

Oaklands College

Winner of Apprentice Provider 2025 – Luton Adult Learning, Luton Council

This award recognises the apprenticeship provider who has deliver exceptional apprenticeships programmes to individuals living and or working in Luton. Providers demonstrate commitment to professional development and career progression contributing to inclusive economic growth. The provider should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Quality of training – Delivers high-quality training programs that are tailored to meet the needs of both apprentices and employers, ensuring that apprentices gain relevant, industry-specific skills.
  • Apprentice support and success – Provides comprehensive support services to apprentices, ensuring their well-being, career guidance, and high completion rates.
  • Diversity and inclusion – Promotes equal access to apprenticeships, actively working to recruit and support apprentices from diverse backgrounds.
  • Commitment to sustainability – Integrates sustainability principles into the training curriculum, ensuring apprentices are equipped with knowledge on eco-friendly practices and sustainable industries.

This award is sponsored by Ryebridge Construction.

ryebridge

Winner of Innovation 2025 – Carley Fisher, TUI UK&I

Recognises training providers who have developed innovative methods, technologies, or practices to enhance apprenticeship delivery learning and outcomes. These individuals also focus on transferable skills to foster innovative development. The organisation should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Innovative learning techniques – Demonstrates the use of creative and innovative teaching methods, such as digital learning platforms, blended learning, or interactive workshops, that enhance the apprentice’s experience.
  • Adaptation to industry needs – Implements cutting-edge apprenticeship programs that align with emerging trends and technological advancements in the industry.
  • Flexibility in delivery – Offers apprentices flexibility in learning, with options for part-time, remote learning, or hybrid training models that fit various learning needs and preferences.

Winner of Contribution to Sustainability 2025 – Eleanor Shepard, TUI UK&I

Recognises an individual who has integrated sustainability principles into their approach, fostering environmental awareness and responsible practices. The individual will have also encouraged a commitment to a Net Zero Luton. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

  • Commitment to sustainability – Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to sustainability, actively seeking ways to reduce the environmental footprint in the workplace or industry.
  • Sustainable innovation – Contributes to projects that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, or sustainable practices, either within their organisation or in the broader community.
  • Practical application of green skills – Applies sustainable practices in their day-to-day work, such as reducing resource consumption, implementing green technologies, or improving processes to minimise environmental harm.
  • Awareness and advocacy – Raises awareness about environmental issues, promoting sustainability initiatives among peers and colleagues, and encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Submit your nominations

The nomination period for the 2026 Awards will open towards the end of the year. We will announce exact dates closer to the time and can’t wait to hear even more fantastic nominations!

Luton Apprenticeship Awards 2026

We are already planning the Luton Apprenticeship Awards 2026! Keep your eyes out for dates being announced. If you are interested in being a sponsor the Awards or have any further questions please contact LBCApprenticeships@luton.gov.uk

Sponsors

uni of beds
central beds college
ryebridge
rotary
bread and butter
bedfordshire chamber
volker highways
oaklands college
tui

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