Apprentices have the edge 

Apprentices have the edge 

February 14, 2025

We’ve been out and about during National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16th Feb) to recognise our top apprentices and the employers who are championing them.

We took our Edge Awards out on the road, travelling across the region to surprise apprentices and employers at their places of work.

In total 19 apprentices and employers picked up awards across a wide range of curriculum areas including business, digital technology, catering, construction, hairdressing and automotive.

Ellen Robson from Renovo Solutions scooped the top accolade of Outstanding Apprentice of the Year after impressing the judging panel with effort, adaptability, leadership and communication skills which make her an exceptional apprentice and a future leader in engineering.

David Alexander, Principal and CEO, said: “The Edge Awards for Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to showcase the exceptional efforts of our apprentices and their employers. This week has been fantastic. Surprising the winners and presenting the Edge Awards is a real highlight of my year.

“The calibre of nominations was exceptional, and everyone who received an award should feel immensely proud of their accomplishments.”

Gateshead College trains more than 1,000 apprentices, who are mostly based in the North East, but we also train apprentices throughout the UK including in London, York and Manchester.

The Edge Awards for Apprenticeships 2025 apprentice winners are:

  • Ellen at Renovo – Engineering Apprentice and Apprentice of the Year
  • Kyle at MAN Truck & Bus – Automotive Apprentice of the Year
  • Rose at NECA Training – Business Apprentice
  • Josh at NECC – Business Apprentice
  • Jake – Construction Apprentice
  • Jack at Accenture – Digital Tech Apprentice
  • Carl at Alexander’s House – Early Years Apprentice
  • Jessica at Roots Unisex Salon – Hair Apprentice
  • Mark at Gateshead College – Teaching & Learning Apprentice

And the employers scooping awards:

  • Cole at Northumberland County Council
  • Cheryl at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service
  • Sean at Sage
  • Alex at MAN Truck & Bus
  • Steve at Newcastle City Council
  • Chris at MGL Demolition

We’ve four more awards for winners that weren’t available during National Apprenticeship Week and we’ll be surprising them as soon as we can!