Whyy? Change wins South Yorkshire’s Training Provider of the Year Award

Whyy? Change, an independent training provider based in Rotherham, has been named ‘Training Provider of the Year’ at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025, surpassing national providers and Universities to claim the region’s top title in apprenticeship delivery.

The award celebrates Whyy? Change’s role in powering workforce development through interactive face-to-face workshops, aligned to industry requirements. Its consistent learner results, commitment to employer partnerships, and innovative delivery model distinguished it from a shortlist that included:

• The University of Sheffield
• Sheffield Hallam University
• Lifetime Training Ltd
• First Intuition
• Lavender International NDT
• Total Training Provision

Now in its fifth year of nominations, having been Highly Commended in 2024, Whyy? Change’s 2025-win marks a milestone in its journey from a little acorn to a mighty oak, now a recognised leading provider in professional education across South Yorkshire. With a 96% first-time EPA pass rate and over 75% of learners achieving Merit or Distinction, the Rotherham-based provider continues to raise the bar for apprenticeship training in South Yorkshire.

“To be named Training Provider of the Year is more than recognition, it’s validation.” – said Emma Harrison, Managing Director of Whyy? Change. “Of our people, our partners, and our purpose. I’m incredibly proud of the effort behind every learner journey we support.”

Also honoured on the night was Rebecca Beever of Straaltechniek UK Ltd, a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer currently studying with Whyy? Change, who received Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year and was Highly Commended for Advanced Apprentice of the Year. Her story, from self-doubt to CIM Distinctions and public recognition, reflects Whyy? Change’s commitment to upskilling and developing the region’s top talent through tailored, face-to-face apprenticeship training.

James Lees, UK Sales Manager at Straaltechniek UK Ltd, said:

“Seeing Rebecca honoured — with her proud parents watching was unforgettable. She earned every accolade. And Whyy? Change? The applause when their name was announced said everything.”

Rachel Ovens, Rebecca’s Marketing Tutor, added:

“Watching Rebecca’s transformation has been inspiring. She embodies what’s possible when ambition meets the right training environment.”

Ray Byrne, CEO of Whyy? Change, concluded:

“It feels like winning the World Cup. This award belongs to everyone at Whyy? Change, our team, our apprentices, and the employers who put their trust in us.”

Why Whyy? Change Stands Out

• 13 apprenticeship standards across Levels 3–7 in Leadership, HR, Marketing, L&D, Quality, HSE, and Lean Six Sigma
• 96% first-time pass rate at End Point Assessment
• 1 in 3 apprentices progress into management roles
• 55% promoted, advanced, or professionally chartered post-apprenticeship

With ambitious plans to double its apprentice intake by 2026 and expand across Yorkshire, Whyy? Change remains focused on its mission: To provide business knowledge and services to transform people and industry.

Other winners at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025 were:

• Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, Mckenzie Stephenson – Tiny Tots Day Nursery
• Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Deryn Keeney – Kitlocker
• Higher Apprentice of the Year, Ebony Woodhall – Glass Technology Services Ltd
• Degree Apprentice of the Year, Hashim Din – The Rotherham Foundation Hospital Trust
• Professional Services Apprentice of the Year, Nicola McKinlay – City of Doncaster Council
• Health & Public Service Apprentice of the Year, Stacey Mullee – Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
• Construction Apprentice of the Year, Samuel Jinks – Dalton Roofing Ltd
• Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year, Erica Davison – Siemens Healthineers
• Technology & Digital Apprentice of the Year, Rebecca Beever – Straaltechniek UK Ltd
• Mentor of the Year, Rhian Burrows – Unilever
• Apprentice Ambassador of the Year, Gary Sollitt – William Hare Limited
• SME Employer of the Year, Dalton Roofing Ltd
• Large Employer of the Year, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Training Provider of the Year, Whyy? Change

Are you inspired by this year’s South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards? Are you or your business committed to upskilling and developing your team? Start your apprenticeship journey with Whyy? Change, an award-winning training provider based in Rotherham. Let’s chat!