National Apprenticeship Week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make. Read a collection of stories about some of our incredible learners.
Climbing the property ladder and winning awards: Connor’s career path | Redcar & Cleveland College
Middlesbrough-based Connor is a plumbing and heating apprentice at Redcar & Cleveland College, a step in his career that now means he does a job he loves and amazingly, the income whilst he learned enabled him to take a significant step in his personal life – buying a house!
Employed by TRD Heating, he was awarded Construction Apprentice of the Year, something that he was super proud of: ‘I was honoured and ecstatic to have won. My apprenticeship is hard work but so enjoyable and rewarding. My employer keeps me motivated, and I look forward to what the future holds – hopefully I continue being successful!’
Award-winning apprentice a step closer to dream Early Years career | Stockton Riverside College
19-year-old Jessica dreams of spending her career working with children, and the opportunity to work as an early years practitioner with Norton Nursery through Stockton Riverside College has been the ideal stepping stone to making that future a reality. This year she was nominated for Early Years Apprentice of the Year and won!
‘I chose an apprenticeship to gain valuable workplace experience and build relationships with those who already work within the sector. It was absolutely brilliant to have won the award for apprentice of the year, and I’m really proud of how I’ve continued to learn and grow.’
Read more.https://www.stockton.ac.uk/news/step-closer-to-dream-career
Leaders of the future: Wayne’s journey | Innersummit
Aspiring leader, Wayne joined Innersummit as part of our Team Leader & Management Apprenticeship course, going on to win Management Apprentice of the Year!
‘My employer and the college have always invested in me. They want me to grow my skills and make sure that I have enough time do get everything done. The self-growth I have experienced has been massive, and I already process things differently than I would have done before.’
Praising his tutors for their understanding and investment in his future, Wayne looks forward to what’s next in his career.
Hard work and ambition sparks Lewis’ future | NETA Training
Apprentice electrician at NETA Training, Lewis was awarded Engineering Apprentice of the Year, flying high amongst his peers in a trade that he’s always been passionate about.
‘My employer has been fantastic in offering me support and additional training so that I can build on my practical skills in the field. Winning the award was fantastic and just goes to show that hard work pays off.
‘Choosing an apprenticeship meant I can learn key practical skills, gain knowledge and achieve qualifications at the same time. It’s also opened the door to so many opportunities in an industry I really enjoy – I can’t wait to build on my career.’
Following in the footsteps of her dad, Toni is now teaching the trade she came to love | Stockton Riverside College
Following in her family’s footsteps, Toni glass left her part-time job that she worked alongside university to pursue opportunities, and instead found her interest sparked in the same industry as her electrician-by-trade dad. Now, she is an apprenticeship tutor of Electrical at Stockton Riverside College.
‘My dad has been an electrician since he left school, and when he mentioned he was starting a big job at his company, DM Glass Electrical Services LTD, and needing some extra labour, I jumped at the chance as I was still on the lookout for a permanent, industry specific role at the time.
‘It was never boring; I was doing something different pretty much every day! The theory side was much less daunting than I first thought, and with only one day a week at college it was the perfect balance for me.’
Rhys is climbing the ladder to success | NETA Training
Rhys was announced NASC Scaffolding Apprentice of the Year 2025, sponsored by CISRS, at a star-studded award ceremony in Manchester.
“I’ve certainly had some amazing opportunities so far,” said the 18-year-old who was presented with the award on stage alongside a star-studded lineup.
His boss, Ryan Payne, chief operating officer at JMAC Group, added: “It doesn’t get much bigger for a scaffolder than winning a NASC award.”
Rhys is already proving himself a rising star in the trade after impressing his bosses, assessors and colleagues with his enthusiasm and ambition.
Tyler shines as Esh Group promotes upskilling and apprenticeships among workforce | Redcar & Cleveland College
Named winner of the Apprentice of the Year title at Esh, alongside six other talented apprentices, Tyler was recognised for his exceptional dedication, work ethic and willingness to learn his trade.
His work exceeds the standard that would be expected of someone at the start of their career after only a short time with the business. He was highlighted as someone who has a proactive approach and is able to work independently, actively seeking to help others on site where possible.
Everything has come full circle for Leighton | Redcar & Cleveland College
Starting his career as an apprentice in events and marketing, Leighton dreamed of working in education, supporting students as he was supported during his latter education years.
‘I knew education wasn’t for me, I didn’t thrive in that environment, so an apprenticeship was the perfect next step for my career. I chose Stockton Riverside College because it was a convenient location for me, and now I work at Redcar & Cleveland College – the best of both worlds!
Now 18, Middlesbrough-born Leighton would like to progress to do L3 Teaching and Learning alongside his role as a learning support assistant. He encourages people to consider different ways to learn:
Meet James, Stockton Borough Council’s Employee of the Year | Innersummit
After attending sixth form and achieving 3 A levels, James found that university wasn’t for him and left to join the police. Still volunteering as a special constable in his spare time, James now works as strategic housing officer role at Stockton Borough Council, and in 2025 won Employee of the Year!
‘The role I do at the council has been brilliant, and its commitment to professional development has meant that I’m currently doing a Leadership and Management Apprenticeship.
‘It was the natural next step for me as I hope to move up in the organisation, and allows me to continue working whilst upskilling.’
Whether you’re interested in entry level apprenticeships or courses that upskill your existing team, contact the team at Innersummit: hello@innersummit.co.uk
George’s journey after A Levels | Bede Sixth Form College
In the lead up to leaving Bede Sixth Form College after completing A levels, George wasn’t 100% confident that university was the right next step for him.
“I knew a degree didn’t always offer placement opportunities, and that I’d come out of it with potentially little to no work experience. I wanted to expand my horizons to all the options available, and as I was familiar with the Etc. I started a Bespoke Employer Led Programme with Stockton Riverside College, Business Administration and Employability Skills, and the rest is history!”
The 19-year-old is now apprentice administrator at Stockton Riverside College, working towards his L3 Business Admin. Praising the supportive team at the college he said: “The team I work with are so friendly and approachable. The role itself is always different; I’m constantly problem solving and thinking on my feet – excellent transferable skills for the future.”
Learning skills for life with industry experts | Redcar and Cleveland College
Lucas, Brogan and course lead for plumbing, Mark can’t speak highly enough of the benefits of the course. When he was at school, Lucas always wanted to be a Marine Biologist: ‘I originally wanted to be in a completely different industry, but realising I’d have to do A levels and university really put me off. I knew Mark as he worked with my dad, so it feels like my journey has come full circle, and I’ve ended up doing something I love.’
The learners, both 19 years old, completed a L2 Plumbing course, a T-Level and are now on their Plumbing Apprenticeship. They say that Mark sells the course really well, and it makes a massive difference that he has real world industry experience to relate all of his teaching to.
Brogan said: ‘An apprenticeship is hard work, but worth it. It gives you security in knowing you’ve got skills for life and you’re earning money whilst you’re still training.’
The privilege of watching students mature and progress | Redcar and Cleveland College
Wet Trades Course Leader at Redcar and Cleveland College, Adam is passionate about passing his knowledge on to the next generation, a journey that for him began over two decades ago with a Plastering apprenticeship.
Remaining true today, the college was and is the only place in Teesside that offers the course as an apprenticeship. After gaining his qualification, Adam gained a wealth of experience from flood and fire restoration work to housing associations, commercial restoration and eventually running his own successful business.
‘As part of running the business I took on a lad for work experience, and when his tutor came out to see him, we got talking. It turned out there was someone in his team retiring and there was going to be a position available – and here I am! Teaching the course I completed, following in the footsteps of the person who taught me it.’