Themis at Burnley College celebrated the outstanding achievements of the region’s top apprentices and employers at the annual Inspire and Achieve Awards 2026.
The prestigious event recognised the dedication, skill, and powerful impact of apprenticeships across multiple industries.
The ceremony honoured the exceptional talent and commitment demonstrated by apprentices throughout 2025. Winners were announced across eleven competitive categories, showcasing the breadth of excellence within the Themis apprenticeship programmes.
The winners of the Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards 2026 are:
- Business and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year: Josh Lamb
- Childcare & Teaching Apprentice of the Year: Meadow Young
- Construction Apprentice of the Year: Harley Rawstron
- Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: Rob Sutcliffe
- Sport, Leisure and Beauty Apprentice of the Year: Darcy Kitchen
- Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Meadow Young
- Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Rob Sutcliffe
- Higher Apprentice of the Year: Zoe Richardson
- Degree Apprentice of the Year: Thahmid Alam
- Employer of the Year: Starrag UK
- Apprentice Champion/Mentor Recognition Award: Bruno Simpson
The event highlighted the vital role that apprentices and their employers play in strengthening the economy and building a skilled workforce for the future.
Neil Burrows, Director for Skills and Innovation at Burnley College said the night was a fantastic way to celebrate apprentice talent.
“The Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards are a highlight of our year and 2026 has been a tremendous success. The passion, skill and ambition displayed by our finalists and winners are truly inspiring.
“It’s a privilege to see the powerful partnerships between our apprentices and the forward-thinking employers who invest in their development. This event is a fantastic celebration of the hard work that reinforces the value of apprenticeships in building successful careers.”
The awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, and the families of the finalists to recognise the remarkable contributions of everyone involved in the apprenticeship journey.
The event was kindly supported by headline sponsors Oak & More, programme sponsor NOCN Group, trophy sponsor Farleys, drinks sponsor Simply Classic, award sponsors D&M Creative, Veka, Haldane Fisher, NOCN Group and ETC Awards and judging day sponsor was Northwest Aerospace Alliance.
