As the year drew to a close, the University came together to celebrate the annual Apprenticeship Awards, held on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at the stunning Rhodes House. The evening recognised the exceptional achievements of apprentices across the University, alongside the vital contribution of the managers and training providers who support them.
With more than 130 nominations submitted across five award categories, the 2025 Awards were the most competitive and engaged to date, reflecting the growing value placed on apprenticeships and professional development within the University community.
MPLS winners and highly commended apprentices
The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division was proud to be recognised across multiple categories at this year’s Awards, reflecting the breadth and quality of apprenticeship activity across the division.
Apprentice Manager Award – Winner
Tamara Feltrin, Senior Finance Officer
Department of Biology (MPLS)
Tamara was recognised for her outstanding commitment to supporting apprentices to thrive, and for the positive impact of her leadership within the Department of Biology.
Shining Star Apprentice Award – Highly Commended
Rajeev Pal, Accounts or Finance Assistant (Level 2)
Department of Engineering Science (MPLS)
Rajeev was highly commended for his dedication, professionalism and strong performance in his role, demonstrating the value apprentices bring to teams across the division.
Higher Apprentice Award – Highly Commended
Isabelle Thacker, Chartered Manager Degree (Level 6)
Department of Chemistry (MPLS)
Isabelle was recognised for her achievements as a higher-level apprentice, showcasing leadership potential and a strong commitment to professional development.
Celebrating excellence across the University
Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey, a longstanding advocate of apprenticeships, opened the ceremony for the third consecutive year. Her continued support, alongside the involvement of external partners and organisations supported through the University’s Levy scheme, helped make the event another great success.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees for setting such a high standard and inspiring the next generation of apprentices across the University.
See the full list of winners here
Find out more about the benefits of hiring an apprentice and the professional development opportunities available to current members of staff.