Newcastle College’s annual Apprenticeship Awards returned on Thursday 13 February as part of a series of events to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025.
Employers from across the North East gathered at the awards ceremony, which was held at Copthorne Newcastle, to recognise and celebrate the positive impact on businesses and individuals across the region.
A total of nine awards were given to employers, apprentices and Newcastle College colleagues across a range of industries.
Persimmon Homes took one of the most coveted prizes of the night as they were named Employer and Mentor of the Year. The judges commented that they consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of its apprentices, and they have gone above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive environment.
The award comes in the same year that the Persimmon Academy was launched at Newcastle College, to provide a dedicated bricklaying, joinery and roofing provision for apprentices and support the development of a skilled workforce for the North East’s construction industry.
Charley Walker, an Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprentice with Dalkia was named Advanced Apprentice of the Year. 26-year-old Charley impressed the judging panel with her outstanding dedication to her role and her inspiring leadership amongst her peers, consistently demonstrating excellence.
Originally qualifying in Stage Management, Charley switched careers after the pandemic shut down the theatre industry to return to her original goal of becoming an electrician.
She said: “I'd wanted to be an electrician since I was 16 but was told by a male teacher in high school that it "wasn't for girls" and unfortunately I believed him. However, I'm here now and thoroughly enjoying it! I now have an immense amount of confidence in my ability to try anything. I've learnt so many life skills and I think it's brilliant to be able to bring more women
Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College, said: “As a college for the city and the North East, it is fantastic to bring together businesses, teachers, family and friends, to celebrate the successes of our apprentices.
“The nominations we received were very strong. They recognised the partnership between Newcastle College and business in equipping apprentices with the knowledge, skills and attributes to succeed in their chosen career.
“It's a special feeling to be told "you've done a great job" and that "we really appreciate what you have done". To take home an award is to know that you have been recognised. I love the Apprenticeship Awards, to see the joy, pride and delight on the faces of the award winners and their family, friends and colleagues when they come on stage to collect their award. Well done to all the winners and well done to everyone nominated."
This year, the event was sponsored by a number of the College’s valued employer partners:
- Accenture
- Dakota Hotels
- Responsive Engineering
- Persimmon
- British Engines
- SIAS
- A&J Keith
- Trident
- Smulders
- WD Close
The full list of the 2025 Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards winners:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Smulders)
Tom Hall (Persimmon Homes)
Advanced Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Responsive Engineering)
Charlotte Walker (Dalkia)
Degree Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Persimmon)
Michael Tanswell (EYYA Ltd)
Higher Apprentice of the Year: (Sponsored by SIAS)
Bryan Baines (Northumbria Healthcare Foundation Trust)
Most Improved Apprentice of the Year: (Sponsored by WD Close)
Noel Hysa (Waterstons Limited)
Employer and Mentor of the Year (sponsored by Dakota Hotels)
Persimmon Homes
Apprenticeship Assessor of the Year (Sponsored by Trident)
Megan Bews, Newcastle College
Apprenticeship Tutor of the Year (Sponsored by Accenture)
Barry Everard, Newcastle College
Apprenticeship Staff Champion of the Year (Sponsored by AJ & Keith)
Wayne Reid, Newcastle College