Excellence celebrated at NFCC’s 2026 Apprenticeship Awards

Launched in 2024, the Apprenticeship Awards were created in order to recognise excellence among Fire and Rescue Service apprentices and training providers. The annual programme highlights the vital role apprentices play in strengthening the sector, protecting communities and supporting organisations in developing new knowledge and skills within the workforce.

This year witnessed a remarkable 198 nominations (more than double the number received in 2025) across seven award categories.

Praise from sector leaders

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the NFCC’s lead on apprenticeships, said: “The Apprenticeship Awards inspire Fire and Rescue Services to prioritise high-quality apprenticeship programmes and help raise training standards nationwide. Championing apprenticeship successes enhances professionalism and builds capability across the UK’s fire community.”

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan echoed those sentiments in stating: “It’s important that we recognise and praise the innovation, commitment and fresh perspectives apprentices bring to the Fire and Rescue sector as well as the transformative impact apprenticeships continue to have on hundreds of young people.”

Organised by the NFCC’s events team and apprenticeships deputy lead Ashley Roberts, the evening highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment-focused organisations alike to share Best Practice and strengthen the sector’s long-term development.

2026 Apprenticeship Awards: The Winners

Inclusion Champion Award

*Winner: Kate Chetland-Johnson (London Fire Brigade)

*Runner-Up: Eve Eaton (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Sasha Weaver (Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year

*Winner: Amanda Kennedy (County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Zuzanna Zagrobelska (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Molly Ashcroft (Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service) and Eric Connor (Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Apprentice Support of the Year

*Winner: Richie Mathews (South Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Sam Collins (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Cheryl Porter (County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

*Learning and Development Department: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Apprenticeship Project of the Year

*Recruit Course 1/25 (Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service)

*Essex Prevention Apprentices (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

Apprenticeship Champion Award

*Winner: Sue Mottershead (Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Niamh Errington (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Chloe Sansom (Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Apprenticeship Provider of the Year

*Winner: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

*Runner-Up: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

*Highly Commended: Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Operational Apprentice of the Year

*Winner: James Miller (South Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Sasha Weaver (Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Ricardo Clark (London Fire Brigade), Luke Turner (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service) and Adam Walford-Dunn (Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service)

*Further information is available online at www.nfcc.org.uk