NFCC Apprenticeship Awards recognise UK fire service nominees
Iain Hoey
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NFCC apprenticeship awards held in Birmingham
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) held its third annual Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, recognising apprentices and training providers from across the UK’s fire and rescue services.
NFCC said the awards, launched in 2024, were created to recognise excellence among fire and rescue service apprentices and training providers.
This year’s programme received 198 nominations across seven award categories, which NFCC said was more than double the number received in 2025.
The evening was organised by the NFCC Events team and Apprenticeship Deputy Lead Ashley Roberts.
It also highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment organisations to share best practice and support the sector’s long-term development.
Winners and sector response
The 2026 winners included Kate Chetland-Johnson of London Fire Brigade for the Inclusion Champion Award and Amanda Kennedy of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year.
Richie Mathews of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Apprentice Support of the Year, while Sue Mottershead of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the Apprenticeship Champion Award.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was named Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and James Miller of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Operational Apprentice of the Year.
In the Apprenticeship Project of the Year category, Recruit Course 1/25 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Prevention Apprentices from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were named winners.
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 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.”
NFCC also congratulated all nominees and winners recognised in this year’s awards.