North East Apprenticeship & Skills Awards 2025
The North East Apprenticeship & Skills Awards ceremony was another super celebration of regional talent.
The final in nine regional events, the golden thread running through them all was the dedication of employers investing in talented people and the commitment of individuals to use skill and knowledge to drive career success.
Each event celebrated employer innovation and imagination and the perseverance and courage of individuals seizing opportunities.
At the ceremony, in Newcastle, the first winner was was Keith Robson from EGGER Group, named Outstanding Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year. Keith makes a brilliant and consistent contribution to the Ambassador Network, the team highly valuing his effort and endeavour promoting apprenticeships.
Our Co-Chair, Jenienne Hinchcliffe, of Northumberland County Council, took home the trophy for Skills Champion of the Year. The judging panel said, “her personal investment and leadership across networks and communities are exemplary. This achievement reflects excellence, influence, and a deep commitment to apprenticeship promotion.”
Rising Star of the Year is the impressive Luke Marinan from Nissan Motor Corporation. Luke is a future high-flyer, judges said he, “demonstrates a remarkable blend of leadership, technical skill, and dedication to learning, taking on significant responsibility with confidence and clarity.” NEAAN is fortunate Luke uses his talent to inspire younger learners.
Great to see Quora Group scoop the award for SME Employer of the Year. Judge comments included: “This employer demonstrated commitment to future proofing the workforce, with strong metrics, and inspiring integration of site-based and academic learning.”
The final NEAAN member bag a gong was the North East Ambulance Service – winner of Large Employer of the Year. A remarkable accomplishment in a fiercely contested category, judges stated, “This employer achieved a dynamic and inclusive apprenticeship programme, with wide reach and measurable success.”
A huge thanks to Prof Ian Green, Jenienne Hinchcliffe and Beth Wade for hosting the event – and for all their work leading the AAN in the region with Hollie Hannah, Jess Duff and Alan Wallace. You all make such a superb and professional contribution.
Next up is the national final on 26 November! Well done to everyone and business that took part this year.
