Total People Celebrates Apprentices Success at Manchester Hall as Burnham Champions Vocational and Technical Education

Total People has celebrated the outstanding achievements of its 2026 Apprentice of the Year winners at Manchester Hall, recognising learners who are building successful careers, developing industry-leading skills and making a meaningful impact to employers across the region. 

The awards showcase the remarkable contribution apprentices make every day by helping employers grow, addressing critical skills needs and proving that high-quality technical education can transform lives and careers. 

This year’s celebrations come at a significant moment for skills and education as they followed the confirmation of Andy Burnham as Leader of the Labour party and appointment as Prime Minister, during which he reiterated his ambition to create greater parity between academic and vocational/technical  education, ensuring every young person has a clear route into higher education or skilled employment. He also highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in supporting economic growth and improving opportunities for young people. 

With the new Prime Minister aligning with Total People’s long-standing belief that apprenticeships should be at the heart of creating opportunity, their annual awards recognise the progress learners have made in developing the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace while supporting employers to build talented, future-ready workforces. 

This year’s winners represent the very best of what apprenticeships can achieve. From overcoming personal challenges to excelling in demanding roles and delivering real value within their organisations, each winner has demonstrated commitment, resilience and a passion for continuous development. 

The Apprentice of the Year award was presented to Connor Frazer from Hydes Brewery, with Roland Jeffery from St Johns Pre-School named Highly Commended Apprentice. 

The awards also celebrated apprentices recognised for outstanding personal development. Taylor Etchells-Brassington from Carter Synergy Ltd was named Personal Development Award Winner, while Charlotte Attwell from Attwells Solicitors was Highly Commended.
 

Employer of the Year Awards 

Alongside learner achievements, Total People also recognised the vital role employers play in supporting apprenticeship success. Tiger Trailers was named Employer of the Year, with Apples and Pears receiving Highly Commended Employer. 

Melanie Nicholson, Managing Director for Total People, commented:

Our Apprentice of the Year winners are a powerful example of the role apprenticeships can play in delivering the Prime Minister’s priorities for skills, opportunity and economic growth.

"Their achievements show exactly why greater parity between academic and vocational/technical education matters - because apprenticeships open doors, develop talent and give people the practical skills employers need now and in the future. 

“At Total People, we have long believed that high-quality apprenticeships should sit at the heart of a stronger, fairer skills system. As national focus grows around vocational/technical education and the need to build a workforce that supports growth, we are proud to champion apprentices, employers and the life-changing opportunities they create together. 

“I would like to congratulate all winners, finalists and employer partners who have supported apprentices throughout their journeys. Their success stories demonstrate the impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and communities, and why they must remain central to building a stronger future for the region and the wider economy.”