A Peterlee apprentice has been crowned Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the North East final of the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025.

Hays Travel’s Ella Graham will now join other regional winners at a ceremony to take place on 26 November at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, where the national champion will be announced.

Ella attended the regional final at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Thursday 16 October.

The 18-year-old joined Hays Travel on its award-winning apprenticeship scheme in September last year, where she works in the marketing department at the company’s head office in Keel Square, Sunderland.

Ella said: “I can’t believe I’ve won - I feel so proud and incredibly grateful! I was over the moon just to be nominated, so actually winning feels surreal.

“This has really motivated me to keep working hard and continue developing. I honestly couldn’t have done it without my amazing team; their constant support, encouragement and guidance mean so much.”

Ella’s manager, Dionne Evans, said: “I am thrilled Ella has been recognised with this award.

"She is a key member of my team who has consistently pushed herself since joining us last year. She has played an influential role in numerous campaigns and continually demonstrates a real determination to learn and develop within the department.”

The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards recognise the achievements of extraordinary apprentices, the businesses that employ them, and the individuals that champion apprenticeships and skills.

The North East ceremony last week was an opportunity to celebrate all of the regional finalists’ achievements.

Hays Travel apprentice delivery manager, Natasha Heslop, said: “Ella’s outstanding professionalism, initiative, and embodiment of our values have made her a shining example of what an apprentice can and should be within our organisation.

“One of her standout moments this year was her leadership in organising and executing a highly successful charity bake sale, which raised over £700.

"Ella has also represented our apprenticeship programme at discovery and career events, speaking confidently and passionately to potential applicants.

"She brings an authentic voice and a personal story that resonates with others, helping to inspire the next generation of apprentices.”

Hays Travel was recognised as the Best Agency to Work For at the prestigious Agent Achievement Awards 2024 and won the Investors in People Award for Learning and Development in 2022.

Its apprenticeships allow young people to achieve a nationally recognised qualification at the same time as earning a salary and gaining valuable work experience.

Every year apprentices are recruited into each of the company’s 500 branches across the UK and into every head office department in Sunderland. For more information CLICK HERE.