Rochdale Training Learner Awards 2025
The team at Rochdale Training has recently celebrated the achievements of their learners at a grand event at Rochdale Town Hall.
Chief Executive of Rochdale Training, Jill Nagy said “Congratulations to all our Learners at this year's Learner Awards 2025. We are proud of your achievements and congratulations to everyone. The packed Great Hall was full of great stories of achievement, pride and growth.”
A Massive Thank you to all of our Sponsors:
Apprentice of the Year Level 2
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have achieved a level 2 apprenticeship. Nominated individuals have shown a great level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and role within their organisation.
- Leah Phillips (Winner)
- Alice Hardaker
- Elspeth Cunliffe
Apprentice of the Year Level 2 - Leah Phillips (Winner)
Leah has shown exceptional commitment to her growth, career, and employer, Stepping Stone Projects. Drawing on her experience as a former customer, she secured a position within the organisation with resilience and determination. She has improved procedures proactively, including creating a system to provide SIM cards to homeless individuals for essential connectivity. Leah excels in her Business Apprenticeship, inspiring others as an ambassador for education and sharing her journey on national platforms. She has enhanced the organisation’s profile by leading initiatives such as the 40th-anniversary celebrations. Dedicated to making a difference, Leah engages in community and voluntary work helping those facing homelessness with great care and empathy.
Apprentice of the Year Level 2 Alice Hardacre
Alice, an apprentice at Stepping Stone Projects consistently exceeds expectations with her dedication and initiative. She reliably completes her tasks while offering support to colleagues whenever needed, showcasing her teamwork and strong work ethic. Alice's exceptional literacy skills are reflected in the professional, clear, and well-crafted letters she drafts. Her proactive approach and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to the business. Alice's contributions to the apprentice Talking Heads project were exceptional. She efficiently manages tasks across two teams, demonstrating excellent time management, adaptability, and organisational skills. Alice’s commitment and positive impact make her a standout member of the team.
Apprentice of the Year Level 2 Elspeth Cunliffe
Elspeth has excelled in her apprenticeship, consistently demonstrating high standards, enthusiasm, and dedication. A highly regarded engineer, she has become a valuable asset to her department, contributing significantly to production. Elspeth achieved a Distinction in her End Point Assessment and went above and beyond by helping fellow learners prepare for their assessments, leading to their success. Her exceptional attitude and commitment to her work are evident in everything she does, and she continues to thrive as she progresses through her Level 3 qualification. Elspeth’s dedication and support for others make her an outstanding apprentice and a true asset to her team and the organisation.
Apprentice of the Year Level 3
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have achieved a level 3 apprenticeship.
- Amanda McLeod (Winner)
- Lisa Foster
- Niall Weldon
Apprentice of the Year Level 3 - Amanda McLeod (Winner)
Introduced to Rochdale Training by New Pioneers in 2020 to complete her functional skills maths qualification, Amanda balanced being a full-time mum while volunteering at Spotland Primary School and completing a Level 2 teaching assistant qualification. Despite initial challenges with nerves and anxiety, her determination, creativity, and perseverance led her to overcome obstacles. Amanda's hard work resulted in securing her dream job working with children. Since completing her apprenticeship, she has become an invaluable team member, taking on additional responsibilities and supporting her colleagues. Amanda’s growth, resilience, and commitment to her career is a true testament to the power of self-belief.
Apprentice of the Year Level 3 - Lisa Foster
Lisa is a true example of determination and hard work paying off. When she began her journey at Rochdale Training, she lacked confidence and self-esteem, simply hoping to achieve one qualification. Throughout her time with us, Lisa worked tirelessly, often feeling overwhelmed, but always pushing herself to complete everything required for success. She went above and beyond, studying in her spare time, including completing mock exams on holiday in Spain. Lisa requested additional sessions and ensured all deadlines were met. Her dedication resulted in her achieving five qualifications and securing a permanent role at her school. Lisa’s perseverance, commitment, and success make her a worthy candidate for Apprentice of the Year.
Apprentice of the Year Level 3 - Niall Weldon
Apprentice of the Year Level 4
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have achieved a level 4 apprenticeship.
- Emma Chorley (Winner)
- Lorraine Bradford
- Karen Slatford
Apprentice of the Year Level 4 - Emma Chorley (Winner)
Emma met with me on a monthly basis never cancelling any appointments. She was always positive, bubbly and pro-active and wanting to know what was next. Her commitment and love for her job role was apparent throughout the course.
At End Point Assessment – Emma wowed the assessor who she met just once and the love for her job role was still portrayed.
The assessor wrote in her final report ‘Emma is proactive within the workplace and demonstrated a forward-thinking, solution-focused approach to problem-solving and decision-making, supporting her team and other stakeholders. She is passionate about making the school a family environment along with the local community. Emma communicates effectively, values others' needs, and wishes to be an intricate member of the school. Emma demonstrates a desire to improve the infrastructure of the school and to build on the learning experiences of the children within the school.’
A Distinction well deserved and finishing 2 months ahead of target. Fantastic achievement Emma – you were a pleasure to work with.
Apprentice of the Year Level 4 - Lorraine Bradford
Lorraine has completed her Level 4 School Business Apprenticeship with distinction, showcasing her hard work, professionalism, and dedication. She consistently delivered high-quality work on time, earning praise for her reliability and attention to detail. Lorraine improved workplace processes with initiative and a proactive approach, benefiting her team. Her employer commended her strong work ethic, adaptability to policy changes, and positive impact. She has built excellent relationships with stakeholders, establishing trust and confidence. Lorraine’s perseverance and capability make her a valuable asset and excellent role model to others. Her contributions have significantly supported the school’s success.
Apprentice of the Year Level 4 - Karen Slatford
Karen has successfully completed her Level 4 School Business Apprenticeship, showcasing exceptional communication, organisational, and time management skills. Her strong speaking and writing abilities have enhanced collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders, while her organisational skills ensured timely, high-quality task completion. Karen’s employer commends her dedication, professionalism, and efficiency in managing workloads. She is a positive influence, a team player, and an asset to the school. The End Point Assessor noted her child-centred problem-solving approach, adaptability to change, and drive to improve systems was exceptional. Karen’s self-motivation, friendly demeanor, and commitment to enhancing service delivery have earned praise from colleagues. Her achievements reflect her hard work, talent, and dedication, making her an outstanding professional.
Outstanding Apprentice of the Year
All our apprentices make a positive contribution to their organisations, but this category celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in their studies and working role, whether they provided exceptional support to their fellow apprentices, overcame significant challenges or took on extra responsibilities in the workplace with outstanding results.
- Niall Weldon (Winner)
Niall is an exceptional apprentice whose enthusiasm, professionalism, and innovation make him a standout candidate for Apprentice of the Year. Over the past four years, he has completed his Level 2 and 3 qualifications while excelling in his role at NEMA. Niall successfully led a critical project for Rolls Royce, developing a grinding technique that maintained precision and prevented damage, securing NEMA’s involvement in future projects. He has also implemented cost-saving procedures and created an efficient tool stores system. Dedicated to personal growth, Niall will soon begin his HNC at RTA. Beyond work, he supports his community, completing a 10k charity run. Niall’s work ethic, creativity, and dedication make him an invaluable team member and future leader.
Higher National Learner of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have completed their HNC programme.
- Fletcher Harrop (Winner)
Fletcher Harrop truly embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and dedication. Their commitment to excellence, perseverance through challenges, and passion for their field make them a standout candidate for the Higher National Learner of the Year Award.
Adult Learner of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding individuals who have achieved their qualification, funded by Adult Skills Funding via the team at Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Nominated individuals must have shown a great level of enthusiasm and commitment to their studies and where applicable, role within their organisation and/or progression to a higher-level qualification or role.
- Debra Diane Ridding (Winner)
- Steph Wright
- Shelley Cuschera
- Jonakia Bean
Rising Star of the Year
This category celebrates learners who have completed a study programme, which is often a stepping stone to get onto an apprenticeship.
- Thomas Casey (Winner)
- Kaitlin McGill
- Shayna Holt
Thomas Casey (Winner)
Thomas demonstrated significant personal and academic growth throughout the study programme. He showed determination by staying after class to refine his work, taking feedback constructively to achieve a good standard.
He developed teamwork, organisation, and timekeeping skills, which boosted his confidence for a successful work placement. His workplace mentor provided positive feedback, further enhancing his self-esteem.
Thomas became a role model in class, passing his customer service exams and attempting a math exam he initially avoided. He left the programme confident, motivated, and excited to build a brighter future.
Rochdale Training Employee of the Year
This category celebrates outstanding staff members who have provided invaluable support to others, showing a passion and commitment in their role.
- Billy Gibson (Winner)
Billy Gibson
Billy is the heart of his workplace, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone. His dedication, attention to detail, and tireless work behind the scenes make a huge difference every day. Always going above and beyond, he takes pride in his role, supporting colleagues and creating a space where others can thrive. His hard work, reliability, and positive attitude make him truly deserving of the Employee of the Year Award.
Employer of the Year
This category celebrates employers that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing apprentices within their organisation.
- Farrel LTD (Winner)
- Stepping Stones
- Gateway Leisure
Employer of the Year - Farrel Ltd (Winner)
Farrel Ltd, established in Rochdale since 1900, employs 175 staff with an annual turnover of £45 million. Committed to employee development, Farrel fosters loyalty and growth through comprehensive apprenticeship programs and career progression opportunities. Apprentices benefit from tailored career plans, post-apprenticeship education, and exposure to high-profile clients, reinforcing their impact within the company. Farrel prioritises employee well-being with a robust safety culture, annual team-building events, and an Employee Assistance Programme offering free counselling.
Farrel recruits locally, providing apprenticeships that lead to well-paying careers and supporting local economic growth. The company collaborates with schools, colleges, and job centres to promote apprenticeships, reducing unemployment and fostering inclusion. Farrel ensures professional and personal growth, cementing its role as a leader in workforce and community development.
Employer of the Year- Stepping Stones
Stepping Stone Projects, founded in 1984 with just four staff, has grown to employ 170 people across the Northwest and holds the prestigious 'Investors in People' Gold award. The organisation is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that inspires loyalty and development among apprentices. Through a robust training strategy, apprentices access free courses to build essential skills and advance their careers. Dedicated mentors provide daily guidance, ensuring personalised support throughout the apprenticeship journey. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing passionate professionals who make a difference. By fostering growth and providing clear career direction, Stepping Stone Projects equips apprentices to excel in the workplace.
Employer of the Year- Gateway Leisure
Gateway Leisure is a standout nominee for Employer of the Year due to their unwavering commitment to staff learning, development, and support for apprentices and volunteers. Recognizing the importance of apprentices and volunteers to the growth of the business and the care sector, Gateway Leisure is dedicated to developing talent across all areas of the organisation. The opportunity for staff to mentor apprentices further enhances their skills and fosters a supportive work environment. By investing in today’s apprentices and volunteers, Gateway Leisure is nurturing future leaders and managers within the care sector, ensuring long-term success and positive impact. Their dedication to learning and development makes them an exceptional employer.
Special Commendation
A special award for someone who has had a busy 18 months. This person has won three awards including, (1) The Rochdale Business Awards, Apprentice of the Year 2023, (2) The NCFE National Apprentice Level 2 of the Year 2024 and Highly Commended for the UK Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024 .
- Ellie Burke (Winner)
