South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025

The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025, held on May 8th at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stadium, brought together over 300 apprentices, employers, and educators to honour the region’s outstanding apprenticeship achievements. Hosted by radio DJ Rich Williams, the event highlighted the transformative impact of apprenticeships across various sectors.

The ceremony underscored the vital role apprenticeships play in South Yorkshire's growth and development. Dr. Graham Honeyman CBE, former Sheffield Forgemasters boss and judge, praised the high standard of entries, stating, "These enthusiastic young people are the future—and apprenticeships open doors, especially for those who can’t afford university." 

As the evening concluded, attendees left inspired by the stories of determination, skill, and success, reaffirming the importance of apprenticeships in building a robust and skilled workforce for the future.

Spotlight on Exceptional Apprentices

This year's awards showcased the dedication and talent of apprentices who are shaping South Yorkshire's future. Notable winners included:

• Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Mckenzie Stephenson from Tiny Tots Day Nursery, recognized for her commitment to early years education.

• Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Deryn Keeney, acknowledged for her contributions to the sportswear industry.

• Higher Apprentice of the Year: Ebony Woodhall at Glass Technology Services Ltd, celebrated for her advancements in materials science.

• Degree Apprentice of the Year: Hashim Din from The Rotherham Foundation Hospital Trust, honoured for his work in healthcare.

• Construction Apprentice of the Year: Samuel Jinks of Dalton Roofing Ltd, praised for his excellence in roofing. Samuel expressed his gratitude, stating, "I have a long way to go yet, but so proud of how far I’ve come."

• Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: Erica Davison from Siemens Healthineers, who made a pivotal decision to pursue an apprenticeship over a place at Cambridge, calling it "the best decision she ever made."

• Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year: Stacey Mullee of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, recognized for her dedication to public health.

• Professional Services Apprentice of the Year: Nicola McKinlay from S.M.I.L.E Day Opportunities at City of Doncaster Council, commended for her service in social care.

• Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year: Rebecca Beever of Straaltechniek UK Ltd, who also received a Highly Commended mention for Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Rebecca's journey from self-doubt to achieving CIM Distinctions exemplifies the transformative power of apprenticeships.

Recognising Employers and Training Providers

Employers play a crucial role in nurturing apprenticeship talent

• SME Employer of the Year: Dalton Roofing Ltd, whose representative, Philip Dalton, passionately stated, "I just love roofing and I’m passionate about it—I want it to be everyone’s first choice of career." 

• Large Employer of the Year: Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, honoured for their comprehensive apprenticeship programs.

  
  

Additionally, Whyy? Change, an independent training provider based in Rotherham, was named Training Provider of the Year, surpassing national providers and universities to claim the region’s top title in apprenticeship delivery.