Apprenticeship Excellence Celebrated at NFCC’s 2026 National Awards

The outstanding contributions of apprentices across the UK’s fire and rescue services were celebrated in Birmingham last Thursday (12 March) as the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) hosted its third annual Apprenticeship Awards. 

Launched in 2024, the awards were created to recognise excellence among fire and rescue service apprentices and training providers. The programme highlights the vital role apprentices play in strengthening the sector, protecting communities, and supporting organisations in developing new knowledge and skills in the workforce. 

This year saw a remarkable 198 nominations, more than double the number received in 2025, across seven award categories. 

Sector Leaders Praise Achievements 

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Lead on Apprenticeships, said: “The awards inspire services to prioritise high-quality apprenticeship programmes and help raise training standards nationwide. Championing apprentice success enhances professionalism and builds capability across the UK’s fire community.”  

NFCC Chair, Phil Garrigan, echoed this. He said: “It’s important that we recognise and praise the innovation, commitment and fresh perspectives apprentices bring to the sector as well as the transformative impact apprenticeships continue to have on hundreds of young people.” 

The evening, organised by the NFCC Events team and Apprenticeship Deputy Lead Ashley Roberts, highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network. The network brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment organisations to share best practice and strengthen the sector’s long-term development. 

Our congratulations to all the nominees and winners in this year’s awards

2026 Award Winners 

Inclusion Champion Award 

• Winner: Kate Chetland-Johnson, London Fire Brigade 

• Runner Up: Eve Eaton, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service 

• Highly Commended: Sasha Weaver, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
   

Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year 

• Winner: Amanda Kennedy, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service 

• Runner Up: Zuzanna Zagrobelska, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service 

• Highly Commended: Molly Ashcroft, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; Eric Connor, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
   

Apprentice Support of the Year 

• Winner: Richie Mathews, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service 

• Runner Up: Sam Collins, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service 

• Highly Commended: Cheryl Porter, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service 

• Learning and Development Department: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
   

Apprenticeship Project of the Year 

• Recruit Course 1/25, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service 

• Essex Prevention Apprentices, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
   

Apprenticeship Champion Award 

• Winner: Sue Mottershead, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service 

• Runner Up: Niamh Errington, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service 

• Highly Commended: Chloe Sansom, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
   

Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 

• Winner: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service 

• Runner Up: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 

• Highly Commended: Capita Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service
   

Operational Apprentice of the Year 

• Winner: James Miller, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service 

• Runner Up: Sasha Weaver, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service 

• Highly Commended: Ricardo Clark, London Fire Brigade; Luke Turner, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service; Adam Walford-Dunn, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

 

For further information, please contact: communications@nfcc.org.uk  

 

Notes to Editors 

• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC is a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017. 

• NFCC’s National Apprenticeships Strategy promotes the use of apprenticeships as a means of helping to bridge skills gaps, improve the quality of training and expertise, and offer an opportunity for coordination and collaboration in seeking new ways to strengthen workforces and cultivate talent. 

• The organisers would like to thank the Awards sponsor, SFJ Awards, and Capita Fire Service College, the reception sponsor for their support.