Past Winners

Thank you again to everyone who submitted nominations and was nominated for the BPP Apprentice of the Year 2023 awards.

The theme for 2023 was ‘Skills for Life’ and we had so many inspirational nominations, it was truly an honour to read about the amazing things our apprentices have been achieving.

Please see below for some words from our amazing winners, as well as the fantastic apprentices who were shortlisted in 2023!

 

The Suzanne Finch Apprentice Champion Award Winner

Nneoma Okonweze- KPMG.

Shortlisted: Alex Douglas – Squire Patton Boggs, and Zoya Alam – Squire Patton Boggs

'I feel so grateful to have won this award and I am happy to see that the work that I have done to advocate for apprenticeships has been recognised, it is incredibly affirming!

At every opportunity I get I aim to spread the word about apprenticeships because I wish somebody had done the same for me, it was only by chance that I even found out about them!

I hope that I inspire others to pursue apprenticeships and encourage other apprentices to promote these opportunities to others!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award Winner

Ryan Yeo – WTW.

Shortlisted: Esther Vincent- WTW, Nneoma Okonweze- KPMG and Sarrina Pianka- Jones Day.

'A few words from Ryan… As for how I feel about the award, I feel honoured and humbled to have received this Inclusion and Diversity Award.

I’m happy to be recognised for my efforts towards I&D and moving forward I am now more inspired to work hard and push for meaningful change for all.'

 

 

                           

 

 

 

 

Resilience Award Winner

Megan Oliver – Weightmans LLP.

Shortlisted: Jenna Holt - Natwest and Zahieda Chowdhury - NHS CCG

'I suppose in describing how it feels to win the award I would say amazing!

It is nice to be recognised for keeping going when things have gotten tough and I think the award is a testament to the support here at BPP and Weightmans from my team and the other apprentices.

Without this support and the sense of community, it would make it harder to continue studying and working.'

 

  

 

 

 

 

Sustainability Award Winner

Charlotte West – WTW.

Shortlisted: Daniel Gibbs – Natwest, Holly Hayden - Weightmans LLP and Will Douglas – Mazars

'The existence of a Sustainability Champion Award demonstrates the deserving push that there now is to put sustainability high up on the agenda.

I feel very grateful to have been recognised for the work I have been doing although I find being able to give my time to both sustainability and charity led initiatives rewarding enough in itself. I am also very fortunate to be working at a firm like WTW where these kinds of initiatives are valued and I am supported in spending a bit of my time away from my day job on these.

I would urge everyone to get involved both within and outside of their workplaces in sustainability initiatives; I know a lot of firms are now doing lots to help us pave the way for a brighter future and as I have said taking part in these initiatives is very rewarding.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apprentice Employer of the Year

Winner- Willis Towers Watson.

Shortlisted - Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and RSM UK

'Our Winner for Apprentice Employer of the Year this year is Willis Towers Watson (WTW). WTW has been investing heavily in Apprenticeships. They have seen first-hand how apprentices are delivering real value with passion and enthusiasm, as well as challenging the norm with success in their roles. Willis Towers Watson have been supporting apprentices throughout this past year to produce a qualified and diverse talent pool, increase underrepresented talent, the number of women and overall diversity in their leadership teams.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apprentice of the Year Winners

(Level 2) Alice Swinbank – Learning Curve Group.

Shortlisted: Chante Morris- Squire Patton Boggs and Gaewjai Akhurst- Squire Patton Boggs

'I am honoured and thrilled to be named the BPP Apprentice of the Year (Level 2 – 3).

I’m really grateful for the guidance and support I have received from my manager, colleagues and family. They have had a significant role in helping me develop during my apprenticeship but also within my role and personal life.

I work for a great company that encourages all employees to live up to their best potential. It’s a privilege to represent Learning Curve Group and our values.'

 

(Level 4) Anoop Bains – Aviva.

Shortlisted: Katie Cook – Watson Ramsbottom and Lucie Richards – National Highways

'I am delighted to have received the BPP Apprentice of the Year Award, Level 4. I really enjoyed every moment of my apprenticeship and having completed my apprenticeship early this year with a Distinction, this award could not be a better way to round off my experience.

The young, fresh-eyed Anoop starting his apprenticeship journey in September 2021 would definitely not have imagined that a year and a half later he would be awarded Apprentice of the Year. The course was amazing and tailored perfectly to my wants and needs from an apprenticeship, a hands-on learning and working environment in which I was able excel and thrive in from the very start. I had many fun and engaging conversations along the way with both my tutor and coach, whilst learning new topics. My coach went above and beyond to provide me with the support I needed to achieve excellent outcomes with my exam and End-Point Assessment, placing me in the optimal position to progress with my career. Another factor that was critical to my success was the support and guidance from Aviva in understanding the demands of the course as well as offering an environment where I can apply the knowledge and skills I have gained. As a huge advocate for apprenticeships within my peer group, it is an honour to receive an award like this.

Being named the Apprentice of the Year is a stepping stone to further raise awareness in organisations and the wider community that apprenticeships are a great route to jump start a career and you can achieve something great'

 

(Level 5+) Durodoluwa Adebayo – Liberty Global.

Shortlisted: Tegan Johnson – Kennedys Law, and Tyler Vint- Squire Patton Boggs

'Winning the award was a very pleasant surprise as the other candidates were so impressive. Naturally, I am extremely pleased to win in my category and I will use this as motivation to continue with the initiatives that got me shortlisted.

I’d like to give a big thank you to the BPP team for arranging the event; it was truly inspiring hearing about the incredible work that everyone else has been doing.

 I’d also like to thank everyone that has helped and guided me along the way. I have had a great first year at my company and I hope that all nominees can continue with our efforts and keep adding value to our organisations and beyond!'