Positive impact of apprenticeships celebrated at second NFCC Apprenticeship Awards

Apprentices working in fire and rescue services, and those who provide apprenticeship training, have been recognised at the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

The awards, which took place in central London on Monday evening (10 February), marks National Apprenticeship Week which runs from 10-16 February. NFCC introduced the awards in 2024 to enable the fire and rescue services to celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices and providers, by highlighting the contribution that apprentices bring to protecting local communities and promoting the opportunities the scheme provides for young people to develop new skills and follow a route into a fulfilling career in the sector.

With six awards up for grabs, 78 nominations were received from 21 fire and rescue services across the UK. Details of the shortlisted nominees and winners can be found below.

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Lead on Apprenticeships said:

“By promoting excellence in fire apprenticeships, the awards not only inspire fire and rescue services to put a greater emphasis on apprenticeships but also contribute to the continual improvement of training standards across the country.

“Through this recognition, the NFCC Apprenticeship Awards promote a culture of excellence and professionalism within the fire community, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of the sector to protect their local communities.”

Phil Garrigan, Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Vice-Chair said:

“These awards showcase the work of our apprenticeships within fire and rescue services and recognise their outstanding achievements and contributions.

“These talented individuals have brought fresh perspectives, diversity of thought, dedication, and innovation to the sector and the scheme has, and will continue to, transform the lives of hundreds of young people across the UK.”

The event was organised by the NFCC Events team and Ashley Roberts, NFCC’s Apprenticeship Deputy Lead to celebrate and promote the NFCC Apprenticeship Network which provides support to the sector, bringing together apprenticeship professionals, training providers, assessment organisations. The Network fosters collaboration among organisations to share good practices, resources, and new opportunities benefiting the sector through long-term growth and sustainability. The event was also supported by Fire Minister, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, who sent a video message that was played at the event to congratulate all the nominees and winners.

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

Award winners 

Apprenticeship Champion Award

WINNER: Niamh Errington, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Runner Up: Steve Smith, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Highly Commended: Samuel Sansome, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Excellence in Apprenticeship Support

WINNER: Learning and Development Team, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service

Runner Up: Joanne Dodge, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Highly Commended: Protection Learning: People Development Team, West Midlands Fire Service

Inclusion Champion Award

WINNER: Scott Fretton, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Runner Up: Shaun Carr, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Apprenticeship Provider of the Year

WINNER: Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Runner Up: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Highly Commended: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year

WINNER: Denise Bowman, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Runner Up: Isabel Carroll, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Highly Commended: Nikki Burns, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Operational Apprentice of the Year

WINNER: Emma Rose Illington, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Runner Up: Cameron Nutter, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Highly Commended: Harry Weavers, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

ENDS

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.