HBTC Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026
We are delighted to share the results of this year’s HBTC Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026!
This year, we received a fantastic range of nominations from employers, each highlighting the hard work, talent and commitment of their apprentices. The standard was exceptionally high, with every nomination showcasing the positive impact apprentices are making within businesses across our community.
Our Outstanding Finalists
We are proud to recognise three outstanding apprentices who made it onto our shortlist this year:
Grace Husband – Customer Service Apprentice at H2MO Ltd
Jason Kay, Director of H2MO Ltd: “Grace embodies everything an apprentice should aspire to be. She is hardworking, proactive, dependable, and continually strives for excellence. She has not only exceeded the expectations of her apprenticeship but has also made a lasting and meaningful contribution to our organisation.”
Mollie Roper – Business Admin Apprentice at Siemens Gamesa
Lee Drury, Construction Operations Manager at Siemens Gamesa: “Mollie always brings a bright and positive attitude to work, which is really appreciated. Very proactive in her role, taking a lot of ownership not only for her own tasks, but going above and beyond in assisting her fellow apprentices and helping keep them on track.”
Noelia Spencer – Digital Marketing Apprentice at Yorkshire Renewable Systems
Gentiana, Head of Business Systems & Compliance at Yorkshire Renewable Systems: “Noelia’s fitted into the team really well too. She’s not just an apprentice sat at a desk completing coursework. She’s part of how we operate day to day, and the team treats her that way. She’s creative, she takes pride in her work, and she’s got a good head on her shoulders.”
HBTC Apprentice of the Year 2026
We are thrilled to announce that Jordan Shaw has been named HBTC Apprentice of the Year 2026!
Jordan joined H.I. Commercial straight from school and, over the past 18 months, has made an impressive transition into the workplace. His determination to learn, respond to feedback, and continually develop has seen him grow significantly both professionally and personally. From improving his written communication to developing a strong understanding of the complexities of commercial insurance, Jordan has embraced every opportunity to build his knowledge and confidence. He is now a Commercial Account Handler at H.I. Commercial and manages his own portfolio of clients, handles renewals independently, and plays an important role as a first point of contact for customers.
His colleagues have also recognised his progress, with Jordan winning the office’s Star of the Month award on multiple occasions. Several of Jordan’s colleagues have nothing but praise to say about him. Alex describes Jordan as having a “strong willingness to learn”, while Alan has praised his ability to adapt and take on increasingly complex cases. Pete says Jordan has become a “real asset to the business”, highlighting his confidence, knowledge and skills.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jordan has become a valued member of the team, known for his positive attitude, reliability and willingness to support those around him. A key part of Jordan’s development has been the support of his manager and Commercial Account Executive, Sally. For Jordan, Sally has been much more than a manager. She has been a mentor throughout his apprenticeship and continues to challenge, teach and encourage him every day. Her support has helped him grow both professionally and personally, and he describes Sally as his “work mum”, reflecting the close bond they have developed and the important role she has played in helping him grow.
Jordan’s Apprentice of the Year award is a recognition of just how far he has come. In 18 months, he has built a strong foundation of industry knowledge, taken on significant responsibility, and developed the confidence to work independently. His story demonstrates what can be achieved when talent is combined with commitment, support, and a genuine desire to learn.
From all of us at HBTC, we congratulate all of our Apprentice of the Year nominees. Congratulations, Jordan, on being named HBTC Apprentice of the Year 2026! Your progress is something to be proud of, and with the drive and enthusiasm you’ve shown so far, we’re sure this is only the beginning.
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Emily Simpson
Emily is our Digital Marketing/Learner Engagement Apprentice and is involved with all things social media and content development. She is also responsible for attending career events and maintaining relationships with local schools and colleges.