West Midlands AAN members came under the spotlight in the most dazzling way at the National Apprenticeship & Skills West Midlands Region Awards in Birmingham, on the 7th October 2025. In the West Midlands our vision is simple – every individual and employer will understand the value of apprenticeships as a route to opportunity and economic success. There’s nobody better to amplify this message than the employees and apprentices involved each day, especially those stunning examples of the impact of apprenticeships and skills in the stories of all those who entered these awards.
The National AAN summarised the event beautifully:
“Delightful to see Rose Rees MBE secure the trophy as Outstanding Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year. In Q1, Rose devoted a staggering 150 hours towards ambassador activity – that speaks volumes about her dedication. She also engaged with 21 different schools delivering mock interviews, presentations, and CV workshops for careers fairs. She’s a one-woman apprenticeship army! She’s also been a real champion for SEND.
Our regional chairs declared: “. She is a true role model and an irreplaceable part of our network. Rose embodies everything the network stands for; she is the voice of many underrepresented people and a true champion for inclusivity.”
Fantastic to see Capgemini pick up the prize as Large Employer of the Year. The judges stated: “Capgemini was universally praised for its strategic clarity, inclusive recruitment, and exceptional support for apprentices.” Chloe L. was at the ceremony for Capgemini, which also has a good number of its apprentices in the AAN across the country. Thanks as well to Michelle Perkins who contributes a huge amount to the AAN nationally.
Congratulations to Michelle Midwinter for securing the trophy as Advanced Apprentice of the Year. The judges were full of praise saying: “This winner breaks stereotypes and redefines what apprenticeships can achieve. We want to celebrate their ambassadorial work as well, and inspiring commitment to lifelong learning.” Wow.
Another glorious moment for the impressive Jagdeep Soor FRSA FIEP who was named as Skills Champion of the Year. The judges were clear: “We are recognising a passionate leader whose influence is shaping the national conversation on skills and social mobility.”
There’s some superb talent in the West Midlands – and it’s fabulous that the AAN can benefit from this pool of experience and enthusiasm.
Thank you to Jenny Johnston, Tino Mumvuri, and Saima Yaqub for your leadership of the region – and to the magnificent Caitlin O’Sullivan for all that you do for the AAN.
Finally, thank you to all the employers and apprentices who submitted high-quality entries. We applaud your efforts and endeavours and are grateful for your commitment to apprenticeships and skills.”
Congratulations to everyone who took part, your stories are an inspiration to us all. Take a flick through the pics of the awards ceremony in action.
Here are our amazing West Midlands AAN regional winners:
The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award (for organisations with 1 to 249 employees)
• DPC Accountants Limited – Winner
• Penny Post Group Credit Union – Highly Commended
The QA Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award (for organisations with 250 or more employees)
• Capgemini – Winner
• Sandwell Council – Highly Commended
The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star of the Year Award
• Katie Thompson, JC Bamford Excavators Ltd – Winner
• Oliver Garnham, JC Bamford Excavators Ltd – Highly Commended
The Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year Award
• BAM Construction Limited (Midlands) – Winner
• Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust – Highly Commended
The Gatsby T Level Student of the Year Award
• Ryan Skitt, Baily Garner LLP – Winner
• William Beardmore, Royal Stoke University Hospital – Highly Commended
The Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award
• Ella Beech, DPC Accountants Limited – Winner
• Daniel Perks, Sanctuary Housing Association – Highly Commended
The BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award
• Michelle Midwinter,PGL Travel Ltd – Winner
• George Materfield, Sanctuary Group – Highly Commended
The British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award
• Emily Ratcliffe, BBC – Winner
• Emily Martindale, Mitchells & Butlers – Highly Commended
The Royal Navy Degree Level Apprentice of the Year Award
• Mostafa Abdelshafy, Rolls-Royce PLC – Winner
• Santina Bunting, Arup – Highly Commended
The Royal Air Force Skills Champion of the Year Award
• Jagdeep Soor – Winner
• Christa Bridges, PebblePad – Highly Commended
Good luck to all our winners in the AAN National finals on the 26 November 2025.
