PTP Training are proud to be sponsoring the prestigious Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025, a night dedicated to recognising the outstanding achievements of apprentices and employers across the region.
The event will be taking place on the 20th November 2025 in Dudley.
This year, PTP is not only supporting the event as a sponsor but also celebrating the success of eight successful finalists who have been shortlisted across multiple categories. Their dedication, skill, ad commitment to learning exemplify the very best of apprenticeship training in the Black Country.
Our finalists are:
Intermediate Apprentice of The Year
Anthony Clayton – Birmingham City Council
Anthony has completed his Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeship with Performance Through People, achieving a Distinction in his final assessment! Working in a Business Support Role within Birmingham City Council’s Transitions and Preparation for Adulthood Service, Anthony has shown incredible resilience, advocacy, and public speaking skills, inspiring others and excelling in his role. His employer shared: “The apprenticeship scheme has enabled Anthony to build his confidence and prove his skills despite life challenges.”
Harry Brown – Fairlawns Hotel & Spa
Harry Brown is undertaking a Food and Beverage Apprenticeship at the Fairlawns Hotel, where he is becoming a driving force behind exceptional guest experiences. From front-of-house service to event prep and restaurant management, Harry’s proactive approach and attention to detail have made a lasting impact. With aspirations to move into hotel management, Harry is building a strong foundation through his apprenticeship – developing leadership skills, deepening his service knowledge, and embodying the values that define Fairlawns.
Advanced Apprentice of The Year
Aimee Archer – Chuckery Primary School
When Aimee chose the apprenticeship route, she wasn’t looking for a qualification – she wanted to make a difference, and she has. As a School Administrator, Aimee has transformed how the office runs: streamlining admissions, improving parental communication, and supporting whole-school events with professionalism and care. Her distinction in studies is matched by her impact in practice. She’s not only freed senior leaders from routine admin, she’s also introduced smarter systems, boosted team knowledge, and brought fresh energy to school marketing. Now she is being considered for a future School Business Manager apprenticeship, Aimee is proof that apprenticeships build more than skills – they build confidence, leadership, and long-term value.
Chloe Whittingham – Air Care Compressors Limited
From stepping into a demanding role with no prior experience, to becoming a trusted Service Coordinator, Chloe’s journey through the Team Leader Level 3 apprenticeship has been nothing short of transformative. She has restructured workflows, built systems that boost productivity, and become a go-to advisor for operational decisions. Her leadership, emotional intelligence, and drive to improve processes have shaped Air Press Compressors Ltd. Her employer said: “Chloe’s contribution to Air Care Compressors Ltd has been outstanding, and I believe she is highly deserving of this for her achievements and growth.”
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of The Year
Anthony Nicholls – European Heathyards
Having completed his Level 2 Welding apprenticeship with a distinction, Anthony is now progressing through his Level 3 Plate Welder apprenticeship at European Heathyards – and is already making a serious impact. From mastering complex welding techniques to achieving a 100% pass rate in non-destructive testing, Anthony’s precision and professionalism have earned him the trust to work on nuclear submarines – one of the most demanding environments in engineering. He’s no only technically outstanding, but also a role model for others: mentoring peers, upholding the highest safety standards, and contributing to a culture of teamwork and excellence. Anthony represents the future of UK manufacturing – skills, committed, and ready to lead.
Leighton Roberts – WHS Plastics
From a traineeship at PTP Training 9 years ago, to mentoring apprentices today, Leighton’s journey is one of grit, growth and determination. He’s worked hard, cared for family, changed jobs for the right reasons, and even took a pay cut to pursue his dream of becoming a maintenance engineer. Now thriving at WHS Plastics Ltd. as a Maintenance Operations Apprentice, Leighton is solving real-world problems daily, earning praise from his team, and is on track to complete his MOET Level 3 with a distinction by 2026. His employer said: “There are many positive comments from all employees and managers about his ability and contribution within the workplace which is extremely encouraging. We as a company are extremely pleased with how Leighton is doing and will support him as much as we are able to continue with his personal and professional development.”
SME Employer of The Year
- Maple Tree Nursery
- Rhymes Day Nursery Dudley
The Black Country Apprenticeship Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and hard work of apprentices, while also recognising the employers who provide opportunities and support for apprenticeship growth. By sponsoring this year’s ceremony, PTP Training reaffirms its commitment to nurturing skills, empowering individuals, and strengthening the local workforce.
We wish all our finalists the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating their achievements on what promises to be an inspiring evening.