York St John celebrates a triple win at North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards

York St John University apprentices and staff took home three awards at the 4th annual North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, with degree apprentices Louise Green and Donna Jones recognised for their professional achievements. In addition, Thomas Burton, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery, was named Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year. 

Louise Green, who is studying a Project Management degree apprenticeship, won the prestigious Degree Apprenticeship of the Year award. Louise, a Project Manager at Aqua Consultants, was encouraged by senior leaders to become the organisation’s first degree apprentice. Since starting her studies at York St John she has excelled academically, whilst pioneering new standards in innovation at Aqua Consultants. Her award win highlights Louise's commitment to translating learning into measurable impact both within Aqua and the wider sector. 

Donna Jones of Network Rail was named Professional Services Apprentice of the Year, an award that recognises apprentices working in professional services roles. Currently studying for a Project Management degree apprenticeship at York St John University, Donna was awarded for her exceptional commitment, professional development and impact within Network Rail. She chose the apprenticeship route to formalise her existing skills and deepen her understanding of project management best practices while delivering safety-critical rail projects. 

Thomas Burton, Head of Apprenticeship Delivery at York St John University, won Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year, in recognition of going above and beyond in championing apprenticeships, promoting their value and inspiring others to pursue this route. The award reflects Thomas’s longstanding commitment to vocational education and skills development. Having begun his own journey as an NVQ student in 1999, he has experienced apprenticeships from multiple perspectives throughout his career; as a learner, tutor, degree apprentice and leader. 

York St John had another two commendations to celebrate including, Lucie Bond from E.ON in the Degree Apprenticeship category and David Bassett working at Network Rail in the Employer Mentor category. York St John was also named a finalist for Provider of the Year, demonstrating the level of dedication, innovation and collaboration that exists at the University.   

Commenting on his win and describing the impact of the Awards, Thomas said:  

“Receiving the Apprenticeship Ambassador of the Year award was an unexpected honour, and one that I accept on behalf of the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and the wider apprenticeship community. Through my involvement with the network, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with apprentices and employers across the region and championing the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, organisations and communities.  

“The North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards are a wonderful celebration of the achievements of apprentices, employers and providers. We are incredibly proud of our award winners and highly commended apprentices, and delighted that York St John University was also shortlisted for Provider of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues and employer partners who work together to create outstanding apprenticeship opportunities.”  

Professor Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School, added:  

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing talent, supporting career progression, and addressing the skills needs of employers across York and North Yorkshire. Through our close partnerships with businesses and public sector organisations, we are helping learners apply their knowledge in real-world settings while making an immediate contribution to their workplaces.  

"The achievements recognised reflect the dedication of our apprentices, employers, and academic colleagues, and demonstrate the transformative impact that high-quality apprenticeships can have on individuals, organisations, and our region.” 

York St John University has offered degree apprenticeships since 2018. It has worked with 150 employers to deliver industry-focused training that combines academic study with practical workplace experience. Apprentices typically work full-time while studying part-time at the University's York or London campus, with programmes designed in collaboration with employers and aligned with professional bodies such as BCS, CMI and APM. Among the University's employer partners is North Yorkshire Council, which was named Training Provider of the Year at this year's awards. 

For further information about degree apprenticeships at York St John visit our website.  

Find out more about the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026 and download a list of the winners. 

Images shows (l-r) Louise Green, Donna Jones, Thomas Burton