Winners of the Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards 2025
They are the champions!
Winners of the Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards announced.
The achievements of apprentices, trainers, and employers across Greater Lincolnshire were recognised and celebrated at this year’s Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards.
The awards ceremony took place at The Drill, Lincoln, on Thursday 25th September, bringing together finalists, employers, training providers and local leaders to showcase the very best in apprenticeship success.
Cllr Liam Kelly, executive councillor for Growth, said:
“It was a fantastic evening recognising all the hard work that goes into every apprenticeship journey.
“Everyone who was shortlisted should be incredibly proud of their achievements. It made picking our winners very difficult, but it was inspiring to hear so many fantastic success stories from right across Lincolnshire.”
“For me, it reinforced that apprenticeships are for everyone, regardless of age or background. With such strong networks of support available in the county, all you need is the right attitude and you’ll thrive.”
Award highlights
Apprentice Champion: Melanie Papworth (Lincolnshire County Council)
Melanie Papworth took home the top honour after completing a Senior Leader Apprenticeship while raising four children as a single mother. Overcoming imposter syndrome and significant barriers, she is now a passionate advocate for apprenticeships across Greater Lincolnshire.
Melanie said: “The opportunity for an apprenticeship came up at the Council, and all my children were doing one, so I thought – why not go for it?
“Now I use my experience to encourage others to think about apprenticeships. Itt can be challenging, but it’s extremely rewarding.
“This award is testament to what anyone can achieve with the right support, belief, and hard work.”
Employer Champion: Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group
Sponsored by the East Midlands Ambassador Network, this award recognised the group’s wide range of apprenticeship programmes, spanning clinical and non-clinical roles from Level 2 to Level 7.
Sarah Lewis, of the group, said: “We really try to grow our own in the NHS, right from the bottom all the way to the top, so it means a lot to be recognised for our efforts. It makes all the hard work behind the scenes worthwhile and makes us proud to be part of the NHS in Lincolnshire.”
Training Champion: Tafadzwa Shuro (Coningsby Dental Practice)
Tafadzwa was celebrated for his learner-focused approach, supporting dental nurse apprentices to develop confidence, skills, and long-lasting careers.
Accepting the award on Tafadzwa’s behalf Sharon Green, of the apprenticeship champion awards judging panel, said: “Tafadzwa’s dedication to going the extra mile really shone through.
“He makes the effort to ensure that every apprentice feel valued and supported, and as a result has helped shape the careers of many confident and capable dental nurses.”
Special Recognition Awards
- Lilly Robinson-Brown (Pozzani Pure Water)
- Stephen Mowlaei (Lincoln City Foundation)
- Rosie Willerton (BeBright Pre-School)
- Archie’s Café Bar Bistro
Highly Commended
- Natasha Lock (University of Lincoln)
- Sarah Louise Mitchell (Lincolnshire County Council)
- City of Lincoln Council
The Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards are delivered in partnership by the Lincolnshire Public Service Compact Group, Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council.