Order of Ceremonies
6.30 pm Guests arrive, reception drinks and networking
7.00 pm Guests take their seats in main room
7.10 pm Welcome & Apprentices’ Guard of Honour
7.20 pm Introduction from Karen Buchanan
7.30 pm Meal is served
9.15 pm Guest speaker Carole Garrett BEM
9.30 pm Presentation of awards
10.30 pm Guest Speaker Oliver Ryan MP
10.35 pm Ceremony ends
10.40 pm Winners’ group photo
11.00 pm Carriages
Professional photography and videography are being captured throughout the evening. Please inform the media team if you would prefer not to appear in any images/video.
Welcome to the Themis Inspire & Achieve Awards 2025
This evening we honour the Best of the Best.
The best Themis Apprentices on their way to becoming a #futureboss.
The best Employers who empower and support their Themis Apprentices.
It is a celebration of determination, commitment, ambition, innovation and resilience.
Let’s raise the roof and show our appreciation for every single one of our winners, nominees and the hard work they put in ever day to ensure Themis Apprenticeships remain the very best of the best.
Our compere this evening is Richard Slater, chairman of award-winning business magazine Lancashire Business View and advocate for the Red Rose county.
Speakers
Principal of Burnley College and Chief Executive of Themis
Karen previously held the role of Deputy Principal since 2011. She has worked in the Further Education sector since accepting a position as a part time computing lecturer at Burnley College in 1986 and, prior to this, enjoyed a career as a Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst at The Prestige Group PLC, British Aerospace and Leyland DAF.
She is passionate about forging links between the worlds of business and education.
Carole has profoundly impacted the borough’s engineering and business sectors. Her dedication and innovation earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Burnley Business Awards.
Breaking barriers in the male-dominated field of mechanical engineering, Carole excelled in leadership roles at renowned firms, gaining widespread respect and accolades.
A passionate mentor, she has inspired countless young women to pursue STEM careers.
Oliver Ryan has significantly shaped Burnley’s political and community landscape through his dedication to public service.
Serving as MP, he has championed policies that drive economic growth, enhance public services, and foster community unity.
Known for his approachable leadership, Oliver has earned widespread and is a committed mentor, he actively inspires young leaders to create positive change.
Carole Garrett BEM Burnley Business Pioneer Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Burnley Business Awards
Oliver Ryan MP for Burnley
Judges
Stephen Bolton
Head of Business Development, Farleys Solicitors
Jaydee Davis
Co-Founder, Energy Support Solutions & PJKAY Properties
Carole Garrett BEM Director, Cherrytree Bakery Ltd
Gabriela Hammond Head of HR Consultancy, Forbes Solicitors
Angelo Kornecki Managing Director, AKORN Financial Advice Ltd
Diane McKinley Senior Associate, Rider Levett Bucknall RLB
Paul Nicholls
Relationship Director, Barclays Corporate Banking
Lukman Patel Chief Executive Officer, Burnley Borough Council
David Scholes Founder, Six Connections
Lisa Sourbutts Managing Director, Cube HR
Rob Stott
Industry and Portfolio Manager, EAL Awards
Neil Welsh
Business Development Manager and Financial Advisor, PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
Categories
Construction Award
Business AAT HR & IT Award
Manufacturing & Engineering Award
Childcare & Teaching Award
Sport & Fitness Award
Digital Award
Intermediate Level 2 Award
Advanced Level 3 Award
Degree Level Apprentice Award
Small Employer of the Year Award (Up to 49 Employees)
Large Employer of the Year Award (50+ Employees)
Construction Award
The Construction industry is a cornerstone of our society and economy. It’s the force that builds our homes, our workplaces, our infrastructure. It’s a field where hard work, practical skills and innovative thinking come together to shape the world we live in. Apprentices in this industry are helping to build our future.
Apprentices spend countless hours mastering the intricacies of architectural design, painstakingly learning every aspect of material science to ensure the safety and longevity of the structures they help create – truly shaping the future.
The ideal Construction Apprentice demonstrates a strong work ethic, putting in long hours on site or in the workshop. They show an eagerness to learn, absorbing knowledge from their mentors and constantly seeking to improve their skills. They take initiative, identifying problems and proposing solutions. Most importantly, they understand the value of teamwork, contributing to a cohesive, efficient and productive team.
Finalists
Tegan Pennington
Level 2 Plastering
Mackenzie Ramsdale
Business AAT HR & IT Award
For those currently undertaking a Business/AAT Accounting/HR/ IT Apprenticeship, or who have completed one in the last 12 months.
This award recognises the individual who is making great waves in the world of business and has proven themselves capable of becoming a Future Boss and Leader of Tomorrow. This award acknowledges the Apprentice has truly established themselves as an indispensable member of their Employer’s workforce, has shown an entrepreneurial spirit, or has played a key role in projects vital for new business or
product development. It’s presented to the individual who has worked tirelessly to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours their Employer needs. This Apprentice has a clear idea of their future career path and the necessary steps they need to take to reach their ultimate career goals.
Apprentices in Engineering one day will be responsible for driving the whole industry forward with their innovative solutions and where others merely see problems.
The award is for those currently undertaking an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship, or who have completed one, in the last 12 months.
The award belongs to a recognised innovator; an individual who sees solutions and opportunities where others see problems. It is presented to the individual who has made a recognised impact on their employer’s business in terms of cost, time or resource through their innovation and ideas. The innovation could be solving a current issue, finding a better way of working, or futureproofing the business.
Finalists Manufacturing & Engineering Award
Childcare & Teaching Award
At the heart of industry and education lies a chosen career that is frequently overlooked and undervalued, yet it forms the bedrock of the future - childcare and teaching.
The Apprentices in this field are more than workers; they are architects of the future, crafting minds that will one day shape the world. Their role is pivotal in driving the education sector and, by extension, every other industry forward.
Apprentices in early years settings are instrumental in implementing innovative learning strategies that cater to diverse learning needs, nurturing a generation of learners who are resilient, curious and empathetic.
Finalists
Elicia Swaine Level 3 Early Years Educator Chez Nanny Nursery
Lucy Peel-Waller Level 3 Early Years Educator Oakhill Private Nursery
Natasha Warren Level 3 Early Years Educator Giant Leap Childcare and Learning Centre
Sport & Fitness Award
The Sport and Fitness industry is an arena where passion meets purpose. It shapes our society’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Apprentices in this field are doing so much more than learning - they are contributing to a healthier, more vibrant future for us all. They are the driving force behind innovative fitness programmes, new sports techniques and
breakthroughs in health and wellness. We are creating leaders who will progress to develop unique fitness programmes that encourage people to stay active and healthy. We foster Apprentices who works tirelessly behind the scenes in community outreach. These contributions have a significant impact on promoting health and fitness in our communities.
Ben Fox-Pierce
Level 3 Personal Trainer Roefield Leisure
Henry Reynard Level 4 Sports Coaching Pro Sport Coaching
James Whitworth
4
Digital Award
The winner will be an individual who has fully engaged with the Digital programme and has taken their technical skills, abilities and knowledge into the workplace to make a real positive impact on their Employer’s business. The winner will be innovative and enthusiastic; will be able to think outside the box and apply their skills to a variety of digital projects as required.
They will be a great communicator, able to explain their concepts to a diverse audience, and be able to simplify complex concepts so that others can easily understand regardless of technical ability. They will be truly passionate about the digital industry and have a clear vision of the role they will play in the future of digital technologies.
Finalists
Dainy Casper
Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer
Vital Energi
Kara Hodgson Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
The Senator Group
Natalie O’Callaghan
Intermediate Level 2 Award
This Award is for those currently undertaking, or who have completed, an Intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeship in the last 12 months.
This category acknowledges and celebrates Intermediate Level Apprentices and their exceptional contribution to their workplace.
The winner will demonstrate their commitment to developing themselves into a Future boss, with a strong dedication to achieving highly in training as well as becoming a vital asset to their employer.
They will prove their outstanding achievements through involvement in key projects where their insight and ability has provided added value, show examples of exceeding expectations and exhibit a high level of skill in their industry sector.
Finalists
Tegan Pennington Level 2 Plastering
Bryn Rigby Level 2 Bench Carpentry and Joinery
RH Joinery
Advanced Level 3 Award
This award is for those currently undertaking, or who have completed, an Advanced (Level 3) Apprenticeship in the last 12 months. This category acknowledges and celebrates an Advanced Apprentice’s outstanding contribution to their workplace, training, or both.
The winner is driven by their career aspirations and determination to develop themselves into a leader of tomorrow. They are dedicated to achieving high levels in their training and galvanising themselves as a crucial member of their team.
They have become a vital asset to their employer and they motivate others to be the best they can be. They regularly go above and beyond to ensure their work is outstanding and their contribution to their workplace is of great impact and value to their wider team
Finalists
Willow Camps Level 3 Electromechanical Technician Cranswick Continental Foods Ltd
Eve Pyrah Level 3 Engineering Technician (Mechatronics) Warburtons
Dainy Casper Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Vital Energi
Madison Smithies Level 3 Fabrication GRC Engineering Ltd
Macie Gidley Level 3 Business Administration ESP Play Ltd / Quest Electrical
Natasha Warren Level 3 Early Years Educator Giant Leap Childcare and Learning Centre
Degree Level Apprentice Award
The Degree Level Apprentice Award is for those Apprentices who are undertaking, or have completed, a Degree Apprenticeship in the last 12 months.
This category recognises and rewards the true dedication and outstanding contributions of a Degree Apprentice to their workplace, training, or both.
Finalists
Megan Aspin Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Burnley College
Kara Hodgson
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship The Senator Group
The winner will be able to showcase their true commitment to their Apprenticeship and their Employer and will demonstrate their ability to provide value and insight into their business.
They will have strong dedication to their careers and their training and development, and will have proven themselves as an invaluable member of their organisation who provides value and motivates others to reach for success.
Amber Baber Product Design and Development Engineer HycAero Ltd
Curtis Wilson Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship LJW Solutions
Chloe Culkin Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Little Blossoms of Barrowford
Small Employer of the Year
(Up to 49 Employees)
The Small Employer Award is for businesses currently offering Themis Apprenticeships within their organisation.
This award recognises and congratulates an outstanding Employer that is wholly committed to supporting the development of Apprenticeship programmes within their organisation.
The winner will illustrate how Apprenticeship programmes have been effectively implemented within the organisation and how such programmes have created measurable growth and development within the workforce and the organisation as a whole.
Large Employer of the Year Award (50+ Employees)
The Large Employer Award is for businesses currently offering Themis Apprenticeships within their organisation.
This award recognises and congratulates an outstanding Employer that is wholly committed to supporting the development of Apprenticeship programmes within their organisation.
The winner will illustrate how Apprenticeship programmes have been effectively implemented within the organisation and how such programmes have created measurable growth and development within the workforce and the organisation as a whole.
Giant Leap Childcare and Learning Centre
Graham Engineering
Lancashire County Council Finalists
Our Sponsors
Thank you so much for the generosity and support of our incredible sponsors who share a passion for exceptional Apprenticeships and training.
Headline Sponsor
Construction EPA Company
Construction EPA Company is a leader in delivering top-quality End Point Assessments (EPAs) for construction Apprenticeships. Offering the industry’s only all-inclusive EPA package—including assessors, materials, venues, technicians and advanced software—they set the standard for seamless evaluations. With experienced assessors and assessments reflecting realworld trades like bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing, they prepare Apprentices for lasting career success. Partnering with Employers, training providers and Government, Construction EPA Company ensures their EPAs exceed industry expectations.
Awards Sponsor
EAL Awards
EAL is a trusted leader in delivering expert qualifications, assessments and skills solutions for the engineering and manufacturing sectors. With a focus on meeting current and future industry needs, EAL ensures Engineers and Employers are equipped with the right skills to succeed. Committed to advancing sustainability, the organisation supports the development of green technologies and the net-zero transition. Partnering with educators, training providers and businesses, EAL consistently upholds excellence and innovation in vocational education.
Starter
Goats Cheese, Thyme & Caramelised Red Onion Tart
Main Course
12hr Slow Braised Beef Cheek in Red Wine Sauce, Creamed Parsley Mashed Potatoes, Tenderstem Broccoli
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, Greek Style Cheese Pesto Crumble, Bubble and Squeak Cake (V)
Dessert
Lemon Tart, Lemon Chantilly, Raspberry Crumb