Worcestershire celebrated its commitment to developing local talent and skills at the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards on Thursday 13 November.
Now in their eleventh year of the Apprenticeships Awards, the 2025 celebrations continued to recognise the amazing work of the individuals and organisations involved in promoting apprenticeships in Worcestershire.
The 2025 awards also set a new record for the number of finalists, and the evening welcomed over 320 representatives from employers, apprentices, schools and training providers to the West Midlands Safari Park for the prestigious celebration.
Attendees were also treated to an entertaining and engaging evening thanks to the excellent awards host, award-winning comedian and writer, Shazia Mirza.
Shazia Mirza, Award-winning comedian and writer, and host of the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards, said: “Hosting the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards was an absolute joy. The evening was a vibrant tribute to the exceptional people and organisations who are making apprenticeships thrive across in the county. A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners, keep leading the way in championing, delivering, and inspiring others through apprenticeships.”
12 winners were crowned, with the highly coveted Worcestershire Apprentice of the year named as Courtney Richards from Roxel Group UK, sponsored by Seetec and Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year announced as Barrie Beard Ltd, sponsored by Sanctuary.
The 2025 Apprenticeship Awards evening also highlighted the work of the Worcestershire Apprenticeships team across 2025, supporting both employers and individuals through a plethora of methods to understand more about apprenticeships, including promoting the new Worcestershire Apprenticeships Ambassador Network. The new Ambassador Network has been created to help support individuals interested in apprenticeships by sharing real stories of the value of apprenticeships.
Worcestershire Apprenticeships, created through a partnership between the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire County Council, acts as an impartial brand to unite the promotion and support for apprenticeships across the community.
Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said: “I would like to congratulate the winners, finalists, and organisers of this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards. It was a triumphant night showcasing the strength of our apprenticeship community and the talent driving Worcestershire’s economy. I am passionate about seeing more residents take up apprenticeships – they are vital for helping businesses build the skilled workforce they need and for giving people real opportunities to progress. These awards recognise those investing in new talent and shaping future careers. Well done to all involved for spotlighting our county’s contribution to UK apprenticeship excellence.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Assistant Director for Economy at Worcestershire County Council, said: “A massive congratulations to all the finalists and winners from this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. With it being such a competitive judging process you should all be immensely proud.”
“Our goal is to continue promoting the apprenticeship pathway to help create and develop Worcestershire’s future workforce, and we need the support of more local employers, apprentices and apprentice mentors to grow this in the county via our new ambassador network.”
The full list of winners from the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards can be found below or on the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website. – https://worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/worcestershire-apprenticeships-events/annual-apprenticeship-awards/
The work of Worcestershire Apprenticeships continues following the awards as the team begin preparing for National Apprenticeship Week and supporting more employers and individuals across 2026.
Stay updated on the work of Worcestershire Apprenticeships by visiting the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website or using the hashtag #WorcsApprentice across social media.
www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk
2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards Winners
School of the Year – sponsored by Heart of Worcestershire College
Tudor Grange Academy Worcester
Training Provider of the Year – sponsored by Worcester Bosch
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Group Training Association
Apprentice Mentor of the Year – sponsored by Worcestershire Education Business Partnership
Adrian Bloomer, Blackwell Adventure
Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – sponsored by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
Bespoke Advice Limited
Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – sponsored by West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Barrie Beard Ltd
Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – sponsored by Open GI Ltd
Amada UK Limited
Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by GLP Training
Dave Bain from Instant Scenery
Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Kidderminster College
Courtney Richards from Roxel Group UK
Higher Level Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Platform Housing Group
Christopher Hodson from Victim Support
Degree Level Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd
Charlotte Burford from Ormerod Rutter
Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – sponsored by Sanctuary
Barrie Beard Ltd
Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Seetec
Courtney Richards from Roxel Group UK