Apprentice of the Year

This award celebrates an outstanding apprentice who is making waves in their early career in utilities and exceeding all expectations.

The contenders

Abi Reekie

Business Stream

Abi Reekie is an exceptional talent whose journey from an MA to now a Graduate Apprentice and high-performing colleague exemplifies the very best of the utilities sector. In a short space of time, she’s transitioned from learning the foundations of the industry to joining our Customer Onboarding Team – where she consistently outperforms against targets. She’s passionate about the industry and is already dedicating her time to speaking to young people through our education programme to inspire the next generation. Her trajectory, impact and professionalism mark her as not just an outstanding apprentice, but a role model within the industry.

Alice Fairbairn

SP Energy Networks

Alice was an exceptional Modern Apprentice with SP Energy Networks , combining technical skill, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting Scotland’s transition to Net Zero. Formerly an engineering cadet at sea, she joined the utilities sector to build a meaningful, community-focused career. As an apprentice fitter, she plays a vital role in maintaining, upgrading, and fault finding on critical electricity infrastructure. Alice consistently goes above and beyond—whether restoring power during major storms, mentoring newer apprentices, or representing the organisation at schools. Her professionalism, growth mindset, and passion for sustainability make her an outstanding candidate for Apprentice of the

Areeba Hussain

E.ON UK

Award winning apprentice, Areeba Hussain is recognised by both her company and university for academic excellence and consistently going above and beyond in her role. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation, supporting young women into STEM and helping children think about sustainability through campaigns and projects. She has also played a key role in spotlighting South Asian heritage month, contributing to cultural awareness across the organisation. Alongside her community and outreach work, Areeba continues to excel academically while maintaining high standards in her professional responsibilities.

Ashleigh Fitzpatrick

E.ON Next

Ashleigh Fitzpatrick is a dual-qualified digital product apprentice with a strong focus on connecting technical delivery with real operational improvements. Alongside completing 2 apprenticeships, she has mentored 5 colleagues, encouraging and supporting them to begin their own Level 4 Digital Product apprenticeship journeys, helping to strengthen capability within the team. Ashleigh is also an advocate for apprenticeship pathways within E.ON and volunteers externally to help young people understand career opportunities in the energy and utilities sector. Her apprenticeship journey has strengthened both her technical capability and leadership confidence, enabling her to support colleagues and contribute to improvements within her team

Eilidh McLauchlan

SP Energy Networks

Eilidh McLauchlan is an exceptional graduate apprentice at ScottishPower Energy Networks who has made an extraordinary impact in just 18 months. Balancing a business degree with a demanding fulltime role, she consistently demonstrates maturity, intelligence and drive far beyond expectations. She has transformed onboarding and reporting processes, mastered complex regulatory requirements, and strengthened customer engagement across the high-profile Quality of Connections Incentive. Eilidh leads with initiative, supports colleagues with compassion, and represents SPEN at major industry events. Her influence spans operational improvements, team development and industry engagement, marking her as an outstanding apprentice and an emerging future leader.

Gracie Donaghy

YTL Construction

Throughout her time with us, Gracie has consistently exceeded every expectation of her role and has proven herself to be an exceptional young professional with the potential to go very far in her chosen career. When I was asked if I had anyone to enter for these awards Gracie was the first person I thought of. Gracie has helped deliver multiple projects since joining the team Wrington WRC, Yeovil Pen Mill WRC and Tucking Mill WTC to name a few. These projects total in excess of 30m pounds and have been delivered to a very high standard and on budget!

Hollie Cook

Thames Water

Hollie began her career straight from college, developing a pump selection tool that projected £80,000 annual energy savings and led to her presenting at the 2023 Water Equipment Show after only nine months in the industry. In her second year, she undertook a self initiated placement as a Process Improvement Engineer, completing a struvite control trial that could save over £200,000 annually. She also mentors students, promotes engineering careers, and contributed to an education select committee. In 2025, she won the Derek Jackson Award and now serves as one of the youngest Pump Centre council members, focusing on youth outreach.

Matilda Gent

National Gas

Matilda Gent is a standout Mechanical Apprentice whose impact reaches far beyond her role. As a visible and articulate ambassador for women in engineering, she has represented National Gas on ITV and BBC, inspiring future talent and showcasing Bacton Terminal’s work to the wider public. On site, Matilda consistently delivers high quality work, demonstrating maturity, technical capability, and an impressive safety mindset. She actively supports school engagement and STEM outreach, bringing energy and authenticity that resonates with students. Matilda is not just a promising engineer, she is already a role model for the next generation of women in utilities.

Millie Jones

Wales & West Utilities

Millie Jones is an impressive apprentice who has quickly progressed from shadowing surveyors to confidently supporting key compliance tasks. She now carries out accurate surveys on multi‑occupancy buildings, contributes reliable data for safety decisions, and consistently takes initiative in her learning, making a meaningful and growing contribution to Wales & West Utilities.