NFCC Apprenticeship Awards recognise UK fire service nominees

by EventsFeatured News

NFCC apprenticeship awards held in Birmingham

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) held its third annual Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March, recognising apprentices and training providers from across the UK’s fire and rescue services.

NFCC said the awards, launched in 2024, were created to recognise excellence among fire and rescue service apprentices and training providers.

This year’s programme received 198 nominations across seven award categories, which NFCC said was more than double the number received in 2025.

The evening was organised by the NFCC Events team and Apprenticeship Deputy Lead Ashley Roberts.

It also highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment organisations to share best practice and support the sector’s long-term development.

Winners and sector response

The 2026 winners included Kate Chetland-Johnson of London Fire Brigade for the Inclusion Champion Award and Amanda Kennedy of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year.

Richie Mathews of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Apprentice Support of the Year, while Sue Mottershead of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the Apprenticeship Champion Award.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was named Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and James Miller of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service won Operational Apprentice of the Year.

In the Apprenticeship Project of the Year category, Recruit Course 1/25 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Prevention Apprentices from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were named winners.

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and NFCC Lead on Apprenticeships, said: “The awards inspire services to prioritise high-quality apprenticeship programmes and help raise training standards nationwide.

“Championing apprentice success enhances professionalism and builds capability across the UK’s fire community.”

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “It’s important that we recognise and praise the innovation, commitment and fresh perspectives apprentices bring to the sector as well as the transformative impact apprenticeships continue to have on hundreds of young people.”

NFCC also congratulated all nominees and winners recognised in this year’s awards.

IFE sets out Apprenticeship Week plans plus Edinburgh graduate lecture details

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Apprenticeship Week campaign and sector resources

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has set out plans to support National Apprenticeship Week by spotlighting apprentices and promoting sector resources.

In a statement, the IFE said it will use the week to raise awareness of opportunities in the fire sector and share apprentice experiences, including how IFE Student membership has supported development.

The IFE said each day will focus on a different resource, including CPD, events, networking opportunities and a pathway to professional registration.

The organisation said 2026 is the third year it has celebrated apprenticeships.

Ellie Leadon, IFE Student member and a Design Engineer at BB7, said: “An apprenticeship offered the best of both worlds – the chance to gain practical experience while continuing my studies and earning throughout the programme.

“The combination of working on live projects, learning directly from experienced peers, developing both technical and personal skills, and gaining direct insight into the fire engineering industry made an apprenticeship the ideal route for me to gain experience and prepare for a long-term career. “

Events announced alongside the campaign

The IFE has also announced the return of its Graduate Lecture event, scheduled for 13 May at Edinburgh University.

The organisation said the day will showcase research from graduates and include networking opportunities for students to meet employers from across the sector.

IFE CEO Steve Hamm commented: “The IFE is proud to take part in this annual campaign and celebrate up and coming talent.

“As a professional body, it is paramount that we advocate for diversity and support individuals in their professional development.

“The modern apprenticeship pathway not only ensures a more dynamic and inclusive workforce but actively encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the fire sector.”

The IFE also said its Elevate webinar series will continue as a free resource for early career professionals covering topics from across the sector.

The organisation said further information on both events is available on its events page.

The IFE said its Apprenticeship Week campaign on LinkedIn runs from 9 to 15 February 2026.