Newcastle College welcomed employers, apprentices and colleagues from across the region to the Copthorne Hotel for the 2026 Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards.
The annual celebration recognised the exceptional achievements of apprentices, mentors, employers and staff who are helping to shape the future workforce across a wide range of industries throughout the North East and beyond.
The awards highlighted the dedication, ambition and impact of apprentices at every stage of their journey, alongside the employers and College colleagues who support them to succeed.
Among the major winners on the night were Persimmon Homes, who were named Employer of the Year, while Geordie Wilkinson received the Mentor of the Year award in recognition of their outstanding support for apprentices.
Skye Gallon was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, with Callum Cree taking home the Advanced Apprentice of the Year award. Andy Moore received Degree Apprentice of the Year, while Paige Ward was recognised as Higher Apprentice of the Year.
The awards also celebrated those who have shown exceptional determination and progress throughout their apprenticeship journey. Daegan Robins was awarded Most Improved Apprentice of the Year, while Leak Binks received the Maths and English Apprentice of the Year award.
Newcastle College colleagues were also recognised for their contribution to apprenticeship delivery and student success. Chris Perkins was named Apprenticeship Staff Assessor of the Year, Jay Lewis received Apprenticeship Staff Tutor of the Year, and Deb O’Neil was awarded Apprenticeship Staff Champion of the Year.
The event brought together many of the College’s valued employer partners, including Persimmon Homes, Smulders, WD Close, Newcastle International Airport, SIAS, Not Lost Wellbeing, Armstrong Roofing, Accenture, Century, Dakota Hotels and Trident.
Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College, said: “The Apprenticeship Awards is an event in the College calendar I look forward to because it brings together employers, colleagues, family and friends to celebrate the achievements of Newcastle College apprentices and the success of our apprenticeship programmes.
“The evening was a reminder of just how much commitment sits behind every successful apprenticeship. From apprentices getting stuck in to work and study, to employers investing in future talent, and Newcastle College staff supporting development throughout the journey, every award recognised excellence.
“Apprenticeships are built on partnership, shared responsibility and commitment to developing knowledgeable, skilled and professional individuals. It was brilliant to share the evening with the nominees and award winners as they enjoyed the recognition and celebration of their work. Well done to all the winners and everyone nominated.”
Samantha Ainsley, Head of Apprenticeship Operations and Standards at Newcastle College, said: “Our Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our apprentices, employer partners and colleagues.
“This year’s winners showcase the talent, ambition and dedication that apprenticeships help to develop across a wide range of industries. We are incredibly proud of all those recognised, and grateful to the employers who continue to invest in future talent across our region.”
The full list of winners from the 2026 Newcastle College Apprenticeship Awards is below:
- Apprenticeship Staff Assessor of the Year – Chris Perkins
- Apprenticeship Staff Tutor of the Year – Jay Lewis
- Apprenticeship Staff Champion of the Year – Deb O’Neil
- Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Skye Gallon
- Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Callum Cree
- Degree Apprentice of the Year – Andy Moore
- Higher Apprentice of the Year – Paige Ward
- Most Improved Apprentice of the Year – Daegan Robins
- Maths and English Apprentice of the Year – Leak Binks
- Employer of the Year – Persimmon Homes
- Mentor of the Year – Geordie Wilkinson