Introducing our Learner Champion Awards!
At WELL Training we believe in recognising the outstanding growth, grit, and brilliance of our learners. That’s why we’ve launched the Learner Champion Awards to celebrate the incredible achievements of individuals across both our Apprenticeship and Commercial learning programmes.
Each category features one nominee from each Learning Coach/Facilitator and the winners are chosen by a team vote.
We’re thrilled to kick things off by announcing our first category winner: Most Improved Learner!
Congratulations to Peter Holt of RSK Group, nominated for showing exceptional progress, commitment, and for completing, and producing excellent work towards his Operations Manager Apprenticeship. An inspirational training journey!
Congratulations to our impressive runners-up:
Apprenticeship team
Cassie Ashton – Caffè Nero
Luz Morton – UCC coffee
Commercial team
Jenni Lungley-Down – Paragon
We’re thrilled to announce our second Learner Champion – Ellie Ferguson of Dr A O’Brien and Dr P Alcroft Surgery. Congratulations on winning the Most Engaged Learner!
From the start of her Operations Manager Apprenticeship in January, Ellie has hit the ground running, showing up, speaking up, and stepping up! From managing a packed schedule to being fully present in every session, her commitment is next-level.
Ellie brings rich professional insights, thoughtful discussion points, and extra credit vibes with her deep dives into theory and models. Her reflective work doesn’t just tick boxes, it raises the bar.
Congratulations to runners up:
Apprenticeship team
Katt Goddard – Coffee #1
Luz Morton – UCC coffee
Commercial team
Joe Corbett – Cobra Coffee
WINNER #3 Carl Taylor of Cobra Coffee, winning Growth Mindset & Resilience category.
Carl’s IGNITE Store Manager commercial programme journey has been nothing short of transformational. From starting with a few doubts to becoming a full-on training champion, he’s leaned into every session with resilience, growth mindset, and serious action.
Not only has he stepped up to lead two COBRA stores (yes, two!), he’s also reshaped his leadership style, shifting from a ‘push’ manager to a coaching-led ‘pull’ approach.
The result? A stronger team rapport – Consistently smashed KPIs – Real leadership impact at Folkstone & Westwood stores.
He’s even teamed up with IGNITE peer Charlotte Brooks to cascade learning across his district. Now that’s what we call leadership in action!
Congratulations to runners up:
Apprenticeship Team
Stuart Hill – NANT
Bozena Dygas – Caffè Nero
Luz Morton – UCC Coffee
Learner Champion four Bozena Dygas!
We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Bozena of Caffè Nero, our winner for Leadership & Collaboration!
An ambassador for the programme from day one, Bozena has not only encouraged her peers to join the Operations Manager Apprenticeship programme but has truly led by example. She’s stepped into a mentoring role, supporting new-to-Nero managers and creating a culture of learning in her area.
Whether it’s showing collaborative team spirit in training sessions or offering a supportive ear during breaks, Bozena lifts others while staying committed to her own growth. She’s living the learning dream and championing her apprenticeship every step of the way!
Congratulations to the runners up:
Apprenticeship Team
Kathy Briggs of Paragon UK
Luz Morton of UCC Coffee
Fifth Learner Champion winner for Career Progression & Real-World Impact. A Huge congratulations to David Yetman of Pullman (then Rivus Fleet Solutions).
David’s journey through the Operations Manager Apprenticeship was anything but easy but his determination never wavered. Early on, he transitioned from LCV to HGV, navigated the closure of LCV garages, and took on the challenge of running two HGV sites to drive profitability. Through it all, David stayed committed to his learning submitting high-quality work, making time for coaching calls, and applying key leadership skills in the field. His EPA project and portfolio reflected a wide-ranging skillset, grounded in experience and impact.
From building high-performing teams to tackling tough conversations and managing underperformance, David’s transformation has been both professional and powerful. A true example of what real-world learning can look like when resilience meets action.
Well done, David this win is hard-earned and well-deserved!
Congratulations to runners up:
Apprenticeship team
Steve Carnie – Caffè Nero
Luz Morton – UCC Coffee
Our Final Learner Champion is someone who truly embodies Consistency & Professionalism James Croydon of Caffè Nero.
While stepping up to cover for an Area Manager during recruitment, James didn’t just hold the fort, he remained fully committed to the task in hand. Not only that he remained fully committed to the Operations Manager Apprenticeship, attending every session, all while continuing to support his area and team.
James has been a key driver of development, coaching three ASMs and serving as a steady, positive presence for the entire cohort. His dedication and hard work paid off, earning him a Distinction!
Congratulations to the runners up:
Apprenticeship team
Kerry-Anne Noden – Coffee#1
Luz Morton – UCC coffee
Commercial team
Jenni Lungley-Down – Paragon
That’s a wrap on this quarter’s Learner Champions! Thank you to all our incredible learners we’ve been blown away by your passion and progress.
We’ll be back next quarter with more incredible stories, more real-world impact, and more reasons to celebrate.