Apprentices and trainers recognised at NFCC Apprenticeship Awards 2025

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has recognised apprentices and training providers in the fire and rescue sector at the NFCC Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

The awards took place in London on 10 February during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 10-16 February.

NFCC launched the awards in 2024 to highlight the contributions apprentices make in fire and rescue services across the UK and to promote apprenticeship opportunities in the sector.

NFCC highlights apprenticeship achievements in fire and rescue

A total of 78 nominations were received from 21 fire and rescue services across the UK, competing in six award categories.

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.”

Phil Garrigan, Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Vice-Chair, added: “These awards showcase the work of our apprenticeships within fire and rescue services and recognise their outstanding achievements and contributions.”

NFCC Apprenticeship Network supports skills development

The event was organised by the NFCC Events team alongside Ashley Roberts, NFCC’s Apprenticeship Deputy Lead, as part of efforts to support and promote the NFCC Apprenticeship Network.

The network brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers, and assessment organisations to share best practices, resources, and opportunities for growth.

The awards were supported by Fire Minister, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, who provided a video message congratulating the nominees and winners.

NFCC Apprenticeship Awards 2025 winners announced

The awards recognised individuals and teams across six categories:

• 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

NFCC Apprenticeship Awards 2025: Summary

The NFCC Apprenticeship Awards 2025 took place on 10 February in London during National Apprenticeship Week.

The awards were introduced in 2024 to recognise apprentices and training providers in the UK fire and rescue sector.

A total of 78 nominations were submitted from 21 fire and rescue services across six categories.

NFCC Lead on Apprenticeships Gavin Ellis and NFCC Vice-Chair Phil Garrigan emphasised the importance of apprenticeships in supporting skills development within fire and rescue services.

The event was organised by the NFCC Events team and the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which aims to promote best practices and collaboration across the sector.

Fire Minister The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP provided a video message supporting the awards.

Winners were announced across categories including Apprenticeship Champion Award, Excellence in Apprenticeship Support, Inclusion Champion Award, Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year, and Operational Apprentice of the Year.