Celebrating success at the JTL National Awards 2026
Following a fantastic day at the JTL National Awards 2026 on Wednesday 10 June at Plaisterers’ Hall, London, JTL is delighted to share the achievements of those recognised on the national stage.
The JTL National Awards bring together apprentices, employers, colleagues and industry partners from across the country to celebrate excellence in apprenticeship training and recognise the exceptional talent developing within the building services engineering sector.
Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, said:
“These awards celebrate the very best of the talent coming through our industry. Each apprentice recognised has shown exceptional commitment, technical ability and determination throughout their training, and their achievements demonstrate the real impact that high-quality apprenticeships can have. They are a credit to themselves, their employers and everyone who has supported them on their journey, and we are proud to celebrate their success on a national stage.”
Rising Star of the Year
Highly Commended: Freya Taylor, UKAEA
Winner: Liam Rufus, E. Thompson & Son Ltd
Electrical Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Ryan Young
MES (Mechanical Engineering Services) Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Lee Collins, Amdell Ltd
Apprentice of the Year 2026
Winner: Joshua Davies, Sureserve
The ceremony’s highest accolade went to Joshua Davies, who was crowned JTL Apprentice of the Year 2026. This award recognises exceptional achievement, commitment and professionalism, and Joshua’s success represents a truly outstanding accomplishment.
Joshua said:
“Being named National Apprentice of the Year is an incredible honour and a moment I’m extremely proud of. My apprenticeship has challenged me and helped me grow both personally and professionally, so to have that journey recognised at a national level means a huge amount. I’m especially grateful to my Training Officer Darrell for nominating me, and to everyone who has supported me throughout my training.
“I’ve managed to overcome many challenges to get here today, so this is a reminder to other apprentices to always keep your eye on the end goal as you never know what you can achieve. I would also like to congratulate the other nominees and winners on their achievements!”
Recognising outstanding teaching staff
In addition to celebrating apprentice success, the awards also recognised the dedication and expertise of JTL teaching staff who play a vital role in supporting learners throughout their apprenticeship journey.
Chris Claydon said:
“Our tutors and Training Officers play an essential role in helping apprentices build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed. These awards recognise the dedication, professionalism and care that sit behind every successful apprenticeship journey. Their guidance makes a lasting difference to learners, employers and the wider industry, and we are proud to celebrate their contribution.”
Training Officer of the Year 2026
Winner: Stephen Allcorn
Tutor of the Year 2026
Winner: Jason Villarde
Employer Recognition Awards
JTL’s Employer Recognition Awards celebrate organisations across England and Wales that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to apprenticeship training in the building services engineering sector. The awards recognise employers that go above and beyond in supporting apprentices through high-quality training, mentoring and workplace development opportunities, helping to equip the next generation of skilled professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed.
Presented at the JTL National Awards 2026, the awards highlight the vital role employers play in developing future talent and strengthening the industry for years to come.
Chris Claydon said:
“Delivering high-quality apprenticeships is always a shared effort, and our Employer Recognition Awards are about celebrating the vital role employers play in making that possible. The businesses recognised have shown outstanding commitment to supporting, mentoring and investing in apprentices, helping to create the skilled, confident workforce our industry needs for the future.”
Employer Recognition Award winners
East – Woodward Group Limited
South – BCG Electrical Services Ltd
Wales – Mike Pryde Electrical Services Ltd
North East – Lincs Electrical Services Ltd
North West – JJ Group (Contracting) Ltd
West – Haysham Limited
A collective achievement
The success of the winners and finalists highlights the exceptional talent being developed through JTL apprenticeships and the collective efforts of employers, tutors, training officers and colleagues across the organisation. Everyone recognised at the awards has demonstrated the professionalism, commitment and continuous improvement that underpin apprenticeship success.
A huge congratulations to all winners on their well-deserved recognition. Their achievements are a reflection not only of their own hard work and determination, but also of the support and expertise provided by colleagues across JTL.
JTL has thanked its fantastic sponsors, and everyone who continues to support its apprentices on their journey. Together, we are helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals for our industry.
Event photographs from the JTL National Awards 2026 are now available to view online, capturing highlights from the ceremony and celebrations throughout the day. From award presentations and winner interviews to group photos with colleagues, employers and industry partners, the album showcases many of the memorable moments from this year’s event.
