Tees Valley's Star Apprentices
National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate the impact apprentices make across our economy – from boosting productivity and innovation to building skilled, workready talent for the future. Across Tees Valley, apprentices are learning on the job, earning while they train, and helping local businesses grow.
To mark the week, we’re shining a spotlight on a selection of standout apprentices from across our region – individuals who are already making a real difference in their workplaces and communities. Here they are:
Maddie has become a trusted and highly valued member of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s events team, showing exceptional initiative, reliability and professionalism in fast-paced outdoor environments. Her strong organisational skills and calm approach under pressure have helped strengthen the delivery of major festivals across the borough.
Maddie played a key role in expanding the programme at Between the Tides Festival, supporting safe artist load-ins and operational delivery. The festival went on to win the North East Culture Award for Best Event. She also led partnership working with BBC Introducing at Redcar Kite Festival, curating The High Flying Stage, which received widespread praise.
BBC Tees said: “A huge thank you for everything at the weekend! It was such a brilliant event and the stage acts were superb.”
Ben has impressed colleagues at Latimer Hinks Solicitors with his maturity, professionalism and outstanding work ethic since joining the firm at just 18. As a Business Administration apprentice, he quickly absorbs new processes, works with minimal supervision and consistently represents the business with confidence and care.
During a period of staff absence, Ben stepped into a front-of-house reception role, adapting immediately and maintaining high standards of client service. His calm manner, reliability and willingness to support colleagues helped ensure business continuity at a critical time.
Reflecting on his impact, David Laud, Chief Operating Officer at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, said: “Ben has been a stand-out appointment for the firm with his maturity, reliability and openness to approaching new challenges.”
Richard’s apprenticeship shows the great impact of higher-level training on both individuals and businesses. While completing a Level 6 Data Science apprenticeship, achieving distinction in every module, Richard has led RS Industrial Services’ data, IT and marketing functions.
He took ownership of the company’s largest-ever investment, leading the £1million implementation of a new ERP system and delivering training across the business. The system has improved customer service and operational performance while supporting data-led decision making.
Alongside this, Richard led a full rebrand and marketing strategy that delivered 40% growth in cranes and lifting services during 2025. Mark Cawley, RSIS CEO, said: “Richard led the full implementation of a new ERP system, our biggest ever single investment in our business.”
Emily has shown exceptional initiative, versatility and progression since joining Cowie Consulting in 2025. She has taken ownership of key business functions including marketing, digital systems, and drone surveys, while also supporting admin, sales, and professional report writing, delivering value well beyond the expectations of an apprentice.
Andrew Hutchinson, from Cowie Consulting Ltd, said: “Overall, her proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to contribute across marketing, digital systems, and operational support have had a significant positive impact on the business in a short period of time.”
The firm intends to support Emily into a permanent role in the business.
Nathan made a big career change aged 33 and now works closer to his young family.
Despite coming into the trade later than most, he has taken to roofing like a duck to water, progressing rapidly and showing a strong work ethic and commitment to learning the trade properly. His attitude and standard of work were recognised at a national level when he was Highly Commended at the BMI Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Director Samuel Moore said: “One example I am particularly proud of is a project in Saltburn where Nathan completed a brand-new roof alongside the installation of a full solar system. As one of our trained solar installers, he took responsibility for delivering both the roofing and solar elements to a high standard.”
Leon has seen his development has grow significantly since joining the business to work on his Level 4 Networking Apprenticeship.
He has taken a proactive approach to the technical service desk in giving feedback on what Bondgate IT can further do in automating issues and problems. This has been proven to be a real success and have seen good results for the Darlington-based firm.
Adam Pevie from Bondgate IT Services said: “His growth and development has been incredible. Leon is now helping develop other apprentices in the business and has taken a proactive approach to improving our technical service desk, which has already delivered real results.”
Ben is an exceptional apprentice and a deserved winner of the college’s Apprentice of the Year award. Alongside an excellent work ethic and positive attitude, he stands out for his friendly, caring personality and innovative approach. Ben contributes not just to the team, but to the wider college community, building genuine relationships with regular customers and treating everyone as an individual.
He has introduced daily cake and coffee mornings, themed international dining nights and seasonal restaurant transformations, significantly increasing revenue at the college’s flagship restaurant. His sold-out themed nights give learners invaluable real-world experience, while his growing social media skills are helping promote the college and enhance the curriculum. Ben is progressing onto a Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor apprenticeship, before progressing onto a Teaching Apprenticeship.
Miles has been a great addition to the team since starting in October. The 19-year-old has developed his skills and impressed in his work on complex projects and work with major clients.
Miles has helped support growth with further clients being onboarded for social media support and monthly website work. He has also helped the firm add video editing to its range of skills and build the company hundreds of webpages.
Jess Horner, from Edward Robertson, said: “I would love to see Miles stay with us for as long as he wishes and progress his career within our company, we are happy to support him in any route he wants to go down and allow further training where needed.”
Steven, 21, has shown an attitude and dedication beyond his age at Impact 3D Signs. He picked up his job and worked independently within a few weeks of starting – and the company firmly believes he’s on the way to becoming a team leader.
Aaroon Rashid, from Impact 3D Signs Ltd, said: “He has supported growth of the business. He brings ideas and opinions to the table which is a great asset.”
Connor has had an outstanding start to his career with TEP Electric Distributors. The 20-year-old has taken on board responsibility for warehouse inventory maintenance and has improved how the firm store and rotates stock. He has also contributed to the business winning four national awards, including Best Customer Service of an Electrical Wholesaler.
As Connor completed his apprenticeship last year, he has been promoted to a permanent Sales Support role and is now being mentored to progress within the sales department.
Sarah Marshall, from TEP Electrical Distributors, added: “We see Connor as a great asset, a much-valued member of the team, and an important part of our future.”
Will has shown a great attitude and proved himself an asset to MTP. He has also helped the business in its continued expansion into the health sector.
Owner Mark Taylor said: “He’s the first through the door every morning and doesn’t stop working, he’s enthusiastic to learn new skills each day and we’re proud to see him develop to a very good standard now.
“He’s a great team player and is always very polite to customers, he’s been such a privilege to have on board MTP Gas Ltd.”
Nina has been a breath of fresh air at Chadwick’s Inn, bringing energy, enthusiasm and professionalism that lifts the whole team.
Her excellent work ethic, attention to detail and pride in presenting the business at its best have been noted, while her friendly yet professional manner has raised customer service standards.
Popular with customers, Nina can be relied upon to lead busy shifts, supporting and encouraging colleagues while developing their front-of-house and bar skills.
Keen to learn all aspects of the business, she achieved an outstanding 93% in her Level 1 WSET qualification. Having completed her Level 2 apprenticeship, she is now considering Level 3, with potential to progress into management.
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