Following this year’s judging process for the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards, we are pleased to announce that all nominated apprentices will be invited to attend and will be recognised at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival in July.
The judging panel was thoroughly impressed by the volume and calibre of entries, the diversity of roles and organisations, and the exceptional impact apprentices are already having across the highways and transport technology sector.
In light of this, the decision has been made not to shortlist. Instead, every nominated apprentice will be celebrated, with all invited to attend the festival and take part in the awards ceremony, where the winners will be announced on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025.
All nominated apprentices are invited to attend the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2025 on a fully funded basis. This means that, at no cost to them or their organisation, each apprentice will receive accommodation, meals, and transport between the hotel and venue – along with full access to both days of the event. This includes entry to all CPD-accredited technical training sessions, the exhibition and live demonstrations, and of course, the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards. In addition, the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group will be hosting exclusive apprentice-only sessions, designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, networking, and engagement.
This year’s event will also feature an inspirational speaker session as part of the wider programme, alongside opportunities for apprentices to connect with peers through the newly formed Apprenticeship Group – helping them to build their network and continue learning beyond the festival.
“The festival offers a unique opportunity to bring these rising stars together in one room – not only to celebrate their achievements, but to help them continue their learning, connect with others across the sector, and feel inspired by what’s next.” Said Charlotte Bromley, Head of Events at LCRIG.
Meet the 2025 Nominees
DfT Special Recognition Inspirational Apprentice Award
Sponsored by WJ Group
For apprentices who motivate and inspire those around them.
- Chloe Kirkby, NE Lincolnshire Council
- Jessica Banbury, Amey Staffordshire
- Saffron Powell, Leeds City Council
- Eleanor Hockenhull, A E Yates
- Hannah Black, Citisense Ltd
DfT Special Recognition Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award
Sponsored by Stabilised Pavements
For apprentices making outstanding contributions in frontline roles.
- Bryn Rigarlsford, Eurovia
- George Buchanan, Portsmouth City Council
- Stacie Scott, United Utilities
- Alex Doe, Salford City Council
- Callum Missions, Eurovia
- Hannah Black, Citisense Ltd
DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 2 Apprenticeship
Sponsored by JCB
Recognising exceptional skills, dedication, and growth among Level 2 apprentices.
- Shaun Brecknell, Breedon Group
- Kizito Brady, Bolton Metropolitan Council
- Jacob Baker, Salford City Council
DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 3 Apprenticeship
Sponsored by SRL Traffic Systems
Celebrating excellence among Level 3 apprentices.
- Jacob Camden-Redding, Highway Care
- Luke Howells, Breedon Group
- Tom Williams, WJ Group
- Joshua Bennett, Rotherham Council
- Joshua Battersby, Rotherham Council
- Charlie Ralph, Project Centre
- Avalon Page, CORMAC
- George Pegler, CORMAC
DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 4–6 Apprenticeship
Sponsored by Velocity Group
Recognising the contribution and progress of Level 4 to 6 apprentices.
- Christian Maude, CORMAC
- Taran Murva, Breedon Group
- Arran Trousdale, Breedon Group
- Joseph Webster, Transport for West Midlands
- Chloe Kirkby, NE Lincolnshire Council
- George Buchanan, Portsmouth City Council
- Connor Webb, Waterman Group
- Leo Marsh, Leeds City Council
- Louis Rodell-Grenow, CORMAC
- Ella Bardgett, CORMAC
- Jonathan Reynolds, CORMAC
Inspiring the Future Competition
Sponsored by Multevo
We also received inspiring and creative entries from apprentices proposing new ways to attract young people into careers in highways and transport. Thank you to the following entrants:
- Sayed Nazir, Pell Frischmann
- Luca Parry-Paxton, Liverpool City Council
- Jonathan Reynolds, CORMAC
- Joseph Webster, Transport for West Midlands
- Leanna Dinnegan, Islington Council
Don’t Miss the Celebration
The DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards will take place on Wednesday 2nd July. It promises to be an inspiring event celebrating the passion, progress, and impact of apprentices across the sector.
We look forward to welcoming all nominated apprentices as we come together to recognise your achievements and reveal this year’s category winners.
If you haven’t yet confirmed your registration to attend, please do so as soon as possible – spaces are limited, and the festival is now just six weeks away.
Good luck to all the nominees! We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible apprentices of 2025 and reveal the winners in July!