An apprentice veterinary nurse who triumphed in her exams and assignments despite significant health issues was among those celebrated at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2026.
Mia Hutchinson, 30, who works at Dereham Vets in Toftwood, was named Apprentice of the Year – Advanced Level (Level 3) – the most hotly-contested category in the annual awards, attracting more than half of all the entries.
She was one of 12 winners announced at the ceremony held during National Apprenticeship Week at Norwich City Football Club on Wednesday 11 February. Headline sponsor for the event was East of England Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, and category sponsors included City & Guilds, Amazing Apprenticeships and the Association of Apprentices.
The judges heard how Mia had excelled in her previous role at CVS UK, Larwood and Kennedy Practice in Dereham. She achieved distinctions in every clinical exam and assignment and completed her apprenticeship four months early despite significant ill health. Her former employer commented: “Mia hasn’t let her illness define her… to excel in all 12 exams is truly phenomenal.”
Receiving her award, Mia said: “I feel that before starting this job, I wouldn’t have maybe considered an apprenticeship as an older student. But you can go for it at any age.”
Also recognised was Matt Rowe, a Property Maintenance Apprentice with Flagship Housing, who won Apprentice of the Year – Intermediate Level (Level 2). Judges heard how well Matt had performed in his Level 2 apprenticeship, mastering plumbing, joinery, tiling, and electrical awareness, with his nominee saying his reliability and positive attitude made him “a true ambassador for his trade”.
“Definitely go for it,” said Matt after receiving his award. “There are people out there that are willing to help you, even though you don’t think they are. I was academic but I didn’t like school, I didn’t like classrooms. So, it was a trade, and I couldn’t really pick which one and I ended up doing all of them and now I’m here. So, you’ve got to pick what you want and then you’ve just got to go for it.”
Other winners in this year’s awards were:
Molly Shreeve, Magdalen Medical Practice: Apprentice of the Year – Higher Level (Level 4-5)
Lucy Elliott, Aviva: Achievement in Exceptional Circumstances
Chloe Denholm: Mentor or Manager of the Year
DWP/King’s Lynn JobCentre Plus: Apprenticeship Advocate
Aviva plc: Large Apprenticeships Employer of the Year
Bill Cleyndert & Company, Medium-Sized Apprenticeships Employer of the Year
Rebekah Girling, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital: Impact Award
Plantscape Tree Services: Contribution to Green Apprenticeships
Able2B: Micro and Small Apprenticeships Employer of the Year
Francesca Hubbard: Apprentice of the Year – Degree Level (Level 6-7)
Katy Dorman, Apprenticeship Strategy Manager at Norfolk County Council said: “The awards are a powerful reminder of the impact Apprenticeships can have on individuals and businesses alike. Beyond the celebration of the individual award winners, these awards reflect something else quite special.
“As the Chairman of Norfolk County Council Cllr Tom Fitzpatrick started the awards ceremony by reminding us; ‘Apprentices thrive because someone supports them. Tonight we celebrate not just individual achievement, but the network of people who lift each other up’. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners!”
