A major new chapter in sector recognition unfolded yesterday as the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards were presented for the first time at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival.
The awards were developed in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) to recognise and celebrate the impact, skill, and potential of apprentices working across the highways and transport technology industry.
Supported by sponsors including WJ Group, Multevo, Stabilised Pavements, JCB, SRL Traffic Systems, and Velocity Group, the awards attracted a fantastic number of entries, shining a spotlight on some of the most dedicated and inspiring apprentices in the sector today.
All nominated apprentices were invited to attend the awards and were recognised on the night. In total, over 50 apprentices received fully funded places – including accommodation, catering, and transport – to attend both days of the Innovation &
Learning Festival. The funded package, made possible through sponsor support, also included full access to CPD-accredited technical sessions, the exhibition and live demonstrations, and exclusive apprentice-only activities hosted by the LCRIG
Apprenticeship Task Group.
“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.
The judging panel – made up of Darren Capes (DfT), Dr Joanna White (National Highways), Dwayne Lowe (Bolton Council), Highways News co-founder Pauyl Hutton, Keely Metcalfe (LCRIG) and Kerry Winstanley (LCRIG) – was thoroughly impressed by the volume and calibre of entries, the diversity of roles and organisations represented, and the exceptional impact apprentices are already having across the sector.
The Award Winners
Inspirational Apprentice Award
Sponsored by WJ Group
This award honours apprentices who not only excel in their roles but also leave a lasting, positive impact on their colleagues, the highways and transport technology sector, and the wider community, acting as role models for their peers and ambassadors for the industry.
Winner: Jess Banbury – Amey Staffordshire
Judges’ comments: “Jess’ advocacy for fair recruitment, mentorship of others, and commitment to breaking barriers have set a new standard for inclusivity and opportunity within the industry.”
Highly Commended: Eleanor Hockenhull – A E Yates
Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award
Sponsored by Stabilised Pavements
The Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award celebrates apprentices who make outstanding contributions in frontline roles within the highways and transport technology sector.
Winner: Hannah Black – Citisense
Judges’ comments: “Hannah is the kind of person who lifts up everyone around her. As an apprentice, she brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does. Whether she’s mentoring students, supporting her colleagues,
or speaking at events, Hannah leads with authenticity and heart.”
Highly Commended: Alex Doe – Salford City Council
Outstanding Achievement – Level 2 Apprenticeship
Sponsored by JCB
This award celebrates excellence among Level 2 apprentices in the highways and transport technology sector.
Winner: Kizito Brady – Bolton Council
Judges’ comments: “Kizito is an exceptional apprentice who has shown remarkable dedication, resilience, and skill in his role at Bolton Council’s Highways team, training with Salford City College. Starting at just 16, Kizito faced the challenge of entering a physically demanding trade but embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.”
Highly Commended: Jacob Baker – Salford City Council
Outstanding Achievement – Level 3 Apprenticeship
Sponsored by SRL Traffic Systems
This award celebrates excellence among Level 3 apprentices in the highways and transport technology sector.
Winner: Joshua Battersby – Rotherham Borough Council
Judges’ comments: “Josh has always shown aptitude, enthusiasm and dedication. We believe that Josh is a shining star, and we have only seen the start of his successes as he embarks on his career.”
Highly Commended: Jacob Camden-Redding – Highway Care
Outstanding Achievement – Level 4–6 Apprenticeship
Sponsored by Velocity Group
This award celebrates excellence among Level 4-6 apprentices in the highways and transport technology sector.
Winner: George Buchanan – Portsmouth City Council
Judges’ comments: “George has excelled, having completed all incorporated engineer attributes with the ICE. He is now furthering his knowledge with a Spatial Planning master’s degree at UCL – highlighting a clear commitment to personal and
professional growth.”
Highly Commended:
Joseph Webster – Transport for West Midlands
Chloe Kirkby – North East Lincolnshire Council
Inspiring the Future: Attracting Young People to the Highways and Transport Technology Sector
Sponsored by Multevo
This competition was launched to discover creative ideas that can inspire the next generation to explore careers in highways and transport technology.
Winner: Leanna Dinnegan – Islington Council
Leanna’s idea – ‘HATT (Highways and Transport Technology) in a Box’ – proposed creative outreach workshops for schools and local communities to promote careers in the sector.
Prize for the winning entry was £1,000 cash, and a seat on the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group.
Special Recognition Award
A special award was presented to Andy Brown of Westmorland and Furness Council, recognising his outstanding contributions to the highways and transport technology sector and his pivotal role as one of LCRIG’s founding figures. As Andy approaches his retirement, the award served as a heartfelt tribute to his lasting impact on the industry. The award was accepted on Andy’s behalf by John Ingle.
(Pic: LCRIG)
