The glittering Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards 2023 have taken place, celebrating the success, the passion and the innovation of Themis apprentices and leading employers in Lancashire.
The prestigious ceremony was held at Burnley Football Club and saw Themis apprentices and employers winning trophies in categories including Future Boss, Digital Pioneer and the Sustainability Award – see the full list of winners and nominees below.
Around 200 nominees, their family and friends, distinguished guests and proud employers attended the spectacular ceremony.
Guests and nominees heard from Lancashire entrepreneur Antony Chesworth, founder of EKM Systems Ltd – who spoke of the power of doing “something you like” and how positivity fuels success.
They were also addressed by Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham, who praised the “commitment, resilience, skill and innovation” on display.
Winners received one of the stunning, Themis-designed trophies, sponsored by Optimill Ltd and Mazak, and a state-of-the-art laptop from sustainable energy experts Green Shield Group, who were guests of honour on the night.
Karen Buchanan, Chief Executive of Themis, the Apprenticeship Training Arm of Burnley College and Principal of the College, said:
“The Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards are a highlight in the Apprenticeship calendar and it was an honour to recognise those amazing Apprentices and Employers in the fabulous surroundings of Turf Moor.”
“Competition this year was tougher than ever, with a record number of nominees and shortlisted finalists. It made the judges’ job of choosing the winners incredibly difficult.”
“Themis is proud of its track record in supporting the development of the very best Apprentices in the region – the Apprentices who go on to be a #futureboss and who make an incredible impact in the workplace.”
“Thanks to their dedication – and the commitment of the forward-thinking employers who support our Themis Apprentices on their journey to success – we can be confident that industry in the region is in the safest of hands going forward.”
Gold Apprentice Award
Madison Smithies, Burnley – GRC Engineering – WINNER
Ellie-Jo Smith, Nelson – Clearly Interiors Ltd – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Leah Mills, Nelson – Greenarc Fuel Cards Ltd
Elicia Swaine, Burnley – Chez Nanny Nursery
Platinum Apprentice Award
Ella Beardsworth, Bacup – Pipeline Induction Heat Ltd – WINNER
Emily O’Keefe, Burnley – Calico, Safenet – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Cameron Wilkins, Burnley – HycAero – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ellis Walne, Bacup – Essity UK Ltd
Rachel Lake, Todmorden – HycAero
Future Boss Award
Leah Mills, Nelson – Greenarc Fuel Cards Ltd – WINNER
Leonie Greenwood, Hebden Bridge – Weir Minerals – HIGHLY COMMEDED
Rachel Lake, Todmorden – HycAero
Innovator Award
Cameron Wilkins, Burnley – HycAero – WINNER
Ellis Walne, Bacup – Essity UK Ltd – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ella Beardsworth, Bacup – Pipeline Induction Heat Ltd
Harry Wilkinson, Clitheroe – Fort Vale Engineering
Developing the Future Award
Toni Whittaker, Bacup- Bright Futures Nursery School – WINNER
Charley Beckett, Barnoldswick – Lakeview Children’s Nursery
Georgia Ludlow, Bacup – Bright Futures Nursery School
Ultimate Vision Award
Matthew Rimmer, Liverpool – AJM Furniture – WINNER
Liam Robinson, Rossendale – Homesafe Group, Ecotect
Matthew Sowerby, Burnley – Dale Contractors Ltd
Sport & Fitness Award
Caitlin Iannelli, Todmorden – Fitness Evolution – WINNER
Kaya Plant, Colne – Burnley Leisure – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Olivia Brown, Burnley – Burnley Leisure
J’enna Carter Hall, Clitheroe – Roefield Leisure
Degree Apprentice Award
Joshua Sweeney, Bacup – GHA Solutions – WINNER
Mathew Illingworth, Leeds – De Puy (Cogent Skills)
Jessica Lloyd, Hereford – De Puy (Cogent Skills)
Digital Pioneer Award
Eleanor Eccles, Oswaldtwistle – Pets Choice – WINNER
Muhammad Y Mulla – Burnley College – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Joshua Sweeney, Bacup – GHA Solutions
Sustainability Award
Holly Lund, Colne – Equestrian Surfaces Ltd – WINNER
Curtis Wilson – Burnley College
Employer of the Year Award – up to 50 employees
Bright Futures Nursery School
ESP Play/Quest Electrical
Onward
Pets Choice
Employer of the Year Award – over 50 employees
HycAero – WINNER
Paradigm Precision – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Boohoo
Fort Vale Engineering Ltd
Safran Nacelles
Special Award
Kieran McShane, Accrington – WEC Group, World Skills finalist in Construction Metalwork
Well done to all of these amazing finalists and winners.
