The Winners of the 2025 UK Nuclear Skills Awards have been announced

The host for the evening Colin Murray

Judged independently by representatives spanning the industry and professional associations, the awards marked its 17th year with a record number of nominations, attracting the largest and most diverse audiences to date. TV and radio presenter Colin Murray charmed as the evening’s host, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

Clare Sandman from Rolls-Royce SMR

Clare Sandman, People Director from Rolls-Royce SMR, the main supporter of the evening, officially opened the proceedings and welcomed everyone to the 2025 UK Nuclear Skills Awards.

The Winners of the 2025 UK Nuclear Skills Awards have been announced

UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year
Keely Salter from Nuclear Restoration Services took the overall title of UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year, an award judged between the winners of the apprentice categories. This award was supported by Westinghouse UK.

Not only did Keely secure the top apprentice award, but she also took the title of Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, a testament to her exceptional dedication and expertise. This award was supported by Urenco.

Advanced Apprentice of the Year
The winner of the Advanced Apprentice of the Year, supported by the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills, was Koby Conway from UK National Nuclear Laboratory.
The runners-up for the Advanced Apprentice of the Year were Lucy James from the UK National Nuclear Laboratory and Matthew from AWE.

Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year
The Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year, supported by Cavendish Nuclear, was awarded to Rachel Gleaves from Sellafield Ltd. The runners-up in the Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year were Moneka Duffy from Sellafield (Risley), Jamie Glaister from Amentum, Dylan Hawthorne from Capula, Charles Ainsworth from Westinghouse Springfields Fuels Limited.

Graduate of the Year (Science, Technical & Engineering)
Taking the title of Graduate of the Year (Science, Technical and Engineering), supported by newcleo, was Anouschka Van Mourik from Sellafield Ltd. The runners-up in this category were Ben Pateman from Amentum and Harpreet from AWE.

Graduate of the Year (Business & Commercial)
Taking the title of Graduate of the Year (Business and Commercial), award supported by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, was Holly Cook from Cavendish Nuclear. The runners-up in this category were Jake Plant from Vulcain Engineering and Kiera Gardner from Nuclear Transportation Solutions.

Postgraduate of the Year
The winner of the Postgraduate of the Year, supported by UK National Nuclear Laboratory, was Clayton Bevas from Amentum. Elizabeth Sharp from UKNNL (Sellafield) and Tamsin O’Reilly from UKNNL (Warrington) were runners-up in this category.

Nuclear Ambassador of the Year
Taking the title of Nuclear Ambassador of the Year, supported by SIAS, was Graeme Sutcliffe from Rolls-Royce SMR. The runners-up in this category were Dr Ruth Davey from Nuclear Waste Services and Lynne Matthews from Destination Nuclear/EDF Energy.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award
The Equality Diversity and Inclusion Champion, supported by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, was won by Nicola Summers from Amentum. Allyson Harris from UKNNL and Omaya Alaedine from AtkinsRealis were runners-up in the ED&I Champion category.

The NSAN Honorary President’s Award
The NSAN’s Honorary President’s Award is chosen by Dame Sue Ion for outstanding contribution to skills for Nuclear. This year the award was presented to Dr Paul Howarth from UKNNL.

Sustainability through Skills Special Recognition
A special Recognition award was presented to Nuclear Waste Services for their transformative approach to sustainability. The award was presented by NSAN’s Managing Director, Tricia Austin, and received by Rob Ward on behalf of NWS.

Best Employer & Training Provider Partnership Award
The Best Employer and Provider Partnership award, supported by Sellafield Ltd, was presented to BAE Systems Submarines and Blackpool and The Fylde College. The runners-up in the Best Employer and Training Provider Partnership were UK National Nuclear Laboratory & MTC Training and EDF Energy & Vulcain Engineering. Also honoured at the evening was Joanna Woolf from Cogent Skills, who was given an award in special recognition on her retirement as Cogent Chair and former CEO. The award was presented by Justine Fosh, CEO of Cogent Skills.

Tricia Austin, Managing Director of NSAN, commented:

“The UK Nuclear Skills Awards are a highlight of the nuclear calendar and a fantastic way to celebrate the talent in our sector. The awards also highlight the importance of collaboration and partnership across the industry, as well as the importance of skills development in supporting the net zero agenda and the levelling up of regions.

I would like to thank all the sponsors, judges, nominees, and winners for making this event possible and for their continued support of the nuclear skills awards.”

Justine Fosh, CEO of Cogent Skills, said:

“Now in their 17th Year, these fantastic Nuclear Skills Awards are once again shining a light on the UK nuclear sector’s talent. I am so delighted to congratulate both the winners and the finalists.

These Awards continue to show the commitment the nuclear industry has to investing in workforce skills and developing people. All the nominees and winners are a real credit to the sector, and we wish them continued success in their careers and in acting as such fantastic role models to others in the sector.”