Top apprentices and employers from the North West have today been announced at the regional round of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2016.

The awards now in their 13th year, showcase many success stories and the benefits of apprenticeships across England.

Businesses and apprentices fought off tough competition by demonstrating how employers are growing their own talent with apprenticeships and how apprentices have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.
The top apprentices and employers winners and highly commended entries were announced at an awards ceremony held at St Helens RFC, St Helens.

This year’s winners for the North West – Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire:

Apprentice categories:

• Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Ashley Haslam, Wilson’s Autos
• EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Ashleigh Sumner, Siemens Plc
• The Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year: Holly Broadhurst, J C Bamford Excavators Ltd

And highly commended:

• Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Christopher Elliott, Greater Manchester Police
• EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Jacob Wilshaw, Siemens Plc
• EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Bradley Smith, BAE System
• The Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year: Phil Rothwell, MBDA UK
• The Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year: Leila Thomason, United Utilities

Employer categories:

• Medium Employer of the Year: River Canal Rescus
• BAE Systems Award for Large Employer of the Year: Ashtead Plant Hire Company Limited
• EON Award for Macro Employer of the Year: Barclays
• Santander Award for Newcomer SME of the Year: RealityMine
• Rolls-Royce Award for Newcomer Large Employer of the Year: Softcat

And highly commended in the employer categories are:

• Medium Employer of the Year: Onefile Ltd
• BAE Systems Award for Large Employer of the Year: Cartwright Group
• EON Award for Macro Employer of the Year: Busy Bees Childcare
• EON Award for Macro Employer of the Year: The Co-operative Group

This year’s winners for North West – Liverpool City Region, Cumbria and Lancashire are:

Apprentice categories:

• Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Peter Inwood, Sellafield
• EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Adam Sharp, Sellafield
• The Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year: Ellenor Stavert, Chorley & District General Hospital
• Apprentice Champion of the Year: Deanna Pearson Sellafield

And highly commended:

• Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Lara Heyes, Crown Prosecution Service
• Award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Robert Pixton, United Utilities
• EAL Award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Jemima Armstrong, Glaxosmithkline
• The Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year: Sophie McEntee-Morris, Unilever UK
• The Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year: Alex Cafearo, BAE Systems
• Apprentice Champion of the Year: Pavandeep Bhogal, B A E Systems
• Apprentice Champion of the Year: Jordan Hunter, B A E Systems

Employer categories:

• Unilever Small Employer of the Year: Denise Thomas Hair Salon and Barber Shop
• BAE Systems Award for Large Employer of the Year: WEC Group Ltd
• EON Award for Macro Employer of the Year: Unilever
• Santander Award for Newcomer SME of the Year: Jobs, Friends & Houses CIC

And highly commended:

• BAE Systems Award for Large Employer of the Year: Silentnight Brands
• EON Award for Macro Employer of the Year: Sellafield Sites Ltd
• EON Award for Macro Employer of the Year: BAE Systems Plc

Following the 6 regional ceremonies taking place across England, winners from each category will have their entries sent for national judging. Three from each category will then be selected as national finalists. The very best employer category entries are also in the running to feature in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list 2016.

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Robert Halfon said:

Apprenticeships are a ladder of opportunity, giving young people and adults the chance they deserve to get on and fulfil their potential.

Congratulations to everyone that has taken part in the National Apprenticeship Awards so far and the winners representing the North West. They have demonstrated just how much businesses and learners can gain from an apprenticeship.

Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service, added:

The National Apprenticeship Awards enable talented apprentices and committed employers to receive the recognition they truly deserve. Our awards not only celebrate the achievements of apprentices and businesses alike but they also encourage others to get involved in apprenticeships.

Today’s winners are the best of the best in the North West. I congratulate each and every one of them on their success and for those heading to the national finals, the very best of luck.

National award winners and the Top 100 Employers will be announced at a ceremony held on 20 January 2017 in London.

This year’s sponsors for the North West awards are Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub (Lancashire County Council) and Progress to Excellence.

To find out more information about apprenticeships or the [apprenticeship awards](https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/national-apprenticeship-awards-2016 visit GOV.UK .

Alternatively call 08000 150 600 or follow @apprenticeships on Twitter or National Apprenticeship Service on LinkedIn.