Salford apprentices recognised at special awards ceremony to mark National Apprenticeship Week

Returning for the first time since before the pandemic, the Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony took place last night (7 February) at the Etihad Stadium.  

With over 100 guests in attendance, including Professor Helen Marshall, Vice-Chancellor of the University, apprentices and their employers to University staff who underpin our apprenticeship programmes, the evening was a chance to celebrate the successes of the University’s apprentices as well as thanking employers for recognising the value of apprenticeships and choosing to work with us as their training provider. 

Apprenticeships are an attractive alternative to the traditional route of study, allowing students to combine study with work. The University of Salford is known for industry collaboration and has fantastic links with partners across the region, teaming up to offer unrivalled apprenticeship schemes.  

The portfolio at Salford is growing, with apprenticeship programmes available in a range of subject areas from construction, engineering, health to business.  

With 11 awards in total and over 38 individuals nominated, it was a tough time for the shortlisting panel. The full list of winners can be found below, who were chosen for their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to their studies or our apprentices.   

• Apprentice of the Year Health – Sara Porter (The Acorns Care Centre) – Nursing Associate   
• Apprentice of the Year Business – Katie Yates (Knutsford Admin Ltd) – Chartered Manager   
• Apprentice of the Year Construction – Sean Jackson (Kier) - Quantity Surveying  

• Apprentice of the Year Engineering – Sam Ellithorn (Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd); - Civil Engineering  
• Apprentice Ambassador of the Year – Elizabeth Tracey (Russell WBHO); - Quantity Surveyor  
• Apprentice Rising Star – Alexandra Askin (Jamieson Contracting (NW) Ltd); - Quantity Surveying 
• Apprentice Above and Beyond – Jordan Booth (Stockport NHS Foundation Trust) – Nursing Associate   
• Apprenticeship Employer of the Year - Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust  

• Apprentice Mentor/Line Manager of the Year – Alison Walker-Smith (Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust);   
• University of Salford Representative of the Year – Joanne Burnett - Senior Link Tutor  Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship 
• Apprenticeship Programme Leader of the Year – Gareth Whittleston - Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Programme Leader  

Adele Lochman, Assistant Head of Apprenticeships at the University of Salford presented the awards, and said: “Congratulations again to all the shortlisted nominees and award winners. All the nominations for each category were particularly strong this year so to be shortlisted was a significant achievement in itself.   

“Last night was about recognising achievement, innovation, fresh thinking and the hard work and dedication of everyone in the room whether that be apprentice, employer, or university member of staff, we were all there because we believe in apprenticeships.  

“The University wants to work together with our employers, to ensure we are meeting their needs and the demands of the future workforce, and above all we want our apprentices to succeed in their apprenticeship and have a fulfilling career in their chosen field. The event is a wonderful celebration of all things great about apprenticeships and seeing our apprentices and employers in person after such a long time hosting the event online was fantastic.” 

You can find out more about apprenticeships at the University of Salford on the website.