As the teaching and learning lead at an apprenticeship training provider, I promote a culture of development within our teams of trainers and coaches, helping them to identify opportunities for their own learning and supporting them to continuously evolve their own practice. Prior to this I trained and coached hundreds of marketing apprentices. Alongside my main role, I am also a regional apprenticeship ambassador. I’m regularly inspired by the work which Yorkshire and Humber’s employers and apprentices are doing and my pride in our apprenticeship sector means I’m often found outside work chatting to people about it!
Bradley joined Henry Boot Construction in November 2017 in his current position as a Trainee Business and Marketing Assistant. Soon after, he began his Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, which he has now completed. He started in the Marketing department, working on news articles and managing social media. However, over time, he has been working more on the Business Development side, seeking new opportunities through research and networking.
Jill joined Nestlé in 2014 as part of the Nestlé Academy team focusing on attracting, selecting and developing young talent. Jill’s key focus has been shaping the company’s apprenticeship strategy and facilitating a more consistent approach across the UK. Nestlé has played its part in developing a number of Trailblazer apprentice standards, specifically for the food and drink sector, as well as being a significant ambassador and advocate for apprenticeships. Nestlé’s young talent actively engage with schools, colleges and careers events across the country, promoting the benefits of apprenticeships and a number of our current cohort are members of the Young Apprentice Ambassador Network.
Thomas Lupton, 27, is the Quality and Compliance Director at Econ Engineering, the UK’s leading provider of winter maintenance vehicles and road repair equipment. As part of the next generation of the Lupton family, he has been immersed in British manufacturing from an early age.
To gain a deep understanding of the business, Thomas worked across every department at Econ’s Ripon factory, gaining hands-on experience before progressing into leadership. His practical knowledge and drive for innovation led to key contributions, including the launch of Econ’s first fully electric Quick Change Body (E-QCB) Zero Emissions model. He played a key role in adapting this system for an all-electric chassis, overcoming technical challenges to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Appointed Quality & Compliance Director in 2024, Thomas now leads initiatives to enhance manufacturing excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. He is also passionate about developing future talent, recognising the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the next generation of engineers and industry leaders. His presence on the judging panel would bring valuable employer insight and a fresh, forward-thinking approach to recognising exceptional young talent.
Annette Hobson is the Regional Membership Manager at Make UK, the Manufacturers’ Organisation. Since joining the organisation in 2012, she has been dedicated to supporting the manufacturing sector's contribution to the economy.
Living in Yorkshire & the Humber, Annette completed a Degree Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management at Sheffield Hallam University in 2023. She uses her expertise to represent and optimise outcomes for manufacturers in the North.
Annette ensures Make UK members gain maximum value from their membership by utilising available services and trade association support. She collaborates with public bodies to raise the industry's profile and needs with local and national government, enabling business leaders to share best practices and drive the sector forward.
Adrian O’Neill the Skills specialist for the Growth Hub now part of the Combined Authority, and been involved with apprenticeships in various guises for years. Adrian currently dedicates his time to helping York and North Yorkshire businesses create a well-trained and fully engaged workforce. This helps with challenges such as hiring and keeping staff. Part of his work involves guiding businesses through the various complexities in taking an apprentice for the first time, and aims to make this as easy as possible. Adrian also works with businesses to put long-term skills development plans in place rather than rely on short-term fixes. Adrian’s diverse background, including teaching and working with disadvantaged groups, positions him to understand business needs. Adrian said, “Well-trained and motivated employees are the cornerstone of business success. I’m here to identify and address skills gaps, provide solutions, and connect businesses with the right training providers.”
