During National Apprenticeship Week, we hosted our annual Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony—an event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of our apprentices while also acknowledging the invaluable support from employers and training providers.
On Wednesday, 12th February 2025, we were joined by our wonderful apprentices, their parents, employers, and educators to celebrate apprenticeships. Attendees travelled from across the country to be part of this special occasion.
The day featured an employer expert panel, where industry leaders shared how apprentices have positively impacted their businesses and recognised their high-achieving apprentices. It was inspiring to see the passion employers have for the value apprenticeships bring to organisations. This was followed by a networking lunch and, finally, the much-anticipated awards ceremony.
This year, we received a record number of nominations for each award, making the selection process incredibly tough. Every nominee had demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement. The Employer of the Year Award was presented to Reckitt Benckiser for their outstanding commitment to supporting apprentices. Whether through university studies or workplace development, their apprentices always have someone available to guide and mentor them.
The stories and successes we heard throughout the event were a testament to the hard work, dedication, and impact of our apprentices. From empowering others and fostering a supportive environment to consistently delivering high-quality results, they have truly excelled. These awards are voted for by employers, apprentices, and university academic staff, ensuring that each nomination reflects genuine appreciation for their achievements.
Congratulations to all the winners across each Apprenticeship Standard! You can find the full list of winners below.
Award Categories and Winners:
Level 6 Social Worker – Wendy Beautridge from Kent County Council
Level 4 Policy Officer – Dimeji Ogunjeminiyi from Ofcom
Level 7 Senior Journalist – Daisy Page from KMTV
Level 3 Fundraiser – Shaefali Sakharkar from Pratham UK
Level 5 Technician Scientist (Bioscience) – James Brears from Synergy
Level 5 Technician Scientist (Chemical Science) – Sarah Tough from GSK
Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) – Mya Hornett from AstraZeneca
Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science) – Alex Newlove from Reckitt Benckiser
Level 6 Clinical Trial Specialist – Karina Grewal from Syneos Health
Level 7 Research Scientist – Claire Purdy from Charles River
School of Economics and Professional Science and the School of Arts
Level 6 Professional Economist – Annabel Williamson from the Bank of England
Level 7 Architecture – Holly Porton from Clague Architects
Level 6 Chartered Manager (London) – Ellie Clements from Red Carnation
Level 6 Chartered Manager (Medway) – Ryan Morrow from University of Kent Estates Team
Level 7 Senior Leader (Medway) – Jasmine Sherwood-Dickens from Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
Level 7 Senior Leader MSc – Temitope Akinfolarin from NHS Guys and St Thomas Hospital
Level 7 SLA (Canterbury) – James Buxton from James Walker
Level 7 Senior Leader (London) – Togu Joe from Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Level 7 Operational Research Specialist - Jakob Reinholdsson from Home Office
Employer and Academic Awards
Employer of the Year – Reckitt Benckiser
Newcomer Academic of the year – Peter Wislocki
Supportive Team of the year 2024/2025 – Alastair Bailey and Luke Buchanon- Hodgman
Outstanding Achievement – Lavinia Mitton
Apprenticeship Advisor of the Year – Adam Grainger
Dr Parminder Sandhu Awards for Outstanding Science Apprentices – Farhan Badat from Smiths Detection
The University of Kent has been offering Apprenticeships since 2011 and offer a range of apprenticeships in areas such as science, economics, social work, policy making and business and management.
To find out more about our Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, please visit our website or email recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk