Introducing our final Learner Champion Awards of 2025! As we close out an incredible year, we’re celebrating the learners who’ve stood out through their dedication, progress, and achievements. A huge thank you to all our 2025 winners and runners-up, your hard work, resilience, and commitment have inspired us.
Kicking off our final champions is Martina Trasonova of Caffè Nero, an Operations Manager apprentice nominated for Most Improved Learner by her SLC, Nicola Baxter for Most Improved. Martina has transformed her store’s performance through clear goal setting, coaching, and focused development, taking it from one of the lowest performers to the best in the area.
Martina also embraced feedback to strengthen her communication and leadership style, making significant progress and supporting new starters in her 100-day champion role.
Congratulations, Martina!
Runner up – Holly Card
Our second Learner Champion winner is Monika Pacholczak of Cobra Coffee, an IGNITE Store Manager learner nominated for Most Engaged Learner by her Coach, Lianne Russell. Monika has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and a genuine passion for supporting others throughout her learning journey.
Monika was invaluable in supporting her fellow store managers and actively engaged in both large and small group activities, and was regularly seen collaborating with her peers to help them achieve their group goals.
She has grown significantly in her leadership knowledge and skills, taking her learning beyond the classroom to support her peers both at work and at home. Monika shares her insights openly, encourages others to reflect on key theories and principles, and helps them identify ways to apply their learning within their own roles.
Congratulations, Monika!
Runners up – Jonny Wilde & Eva Theisz
Our third Learner Champion winner is Dana Tekiela of Caffè Nero, a Coaching Professional apprentice nominated for Growth Mindset & Resilience by her coach, Ben Wakefield.
Dana has shown incredible determination and commitment to her development and progress over the past few months.
Dana recently applied for (and accepted) a new role within Caffè Nero, a position that required her to learn a whole range of new skills. Despite feeling unsure at first about balancing the demands of the role alongside her apprenticeship, she persevered and pushed herself to succeed. She worked tirelessly to bring her portfolio to 100% completion, giving herself the space to focus on her NEBOSH course in January and prepare for her EPA in March.Congratulations, Dana!
Runners up – Kelly Donegan, Sekia Blye & Matthew Gregory
Our fourth Learner Champion winner is Tony Turner of Caffè Nero, an Operations Manager apprentice nominated for Leadership & Collaboration by his coach, Nicola Baxter.
Tony has gone above and beyond this year. He has stepped up to cover an Area Manager role while balancing his own learnings and taking on a brand-new area. He supports his peers (including four others on the programme) by checking in on their progress and overall development. Tony consistently shows initiative, contributes actively to area projects, and brings positivity and inclusivity to every learning session.
He encourages others to share their opinions, creates a collaborative group environment, and embodies what leadership looks like across the business.
Congratulations, Tony!
Runners up – Vicky Harmon & Monika Pacholczak
Our fifth Learner Champion winner is Megan Page from an NHS doctors’ surgery, a Team Leader apprentice nominated for Career Progression & Real-World Impact by her coach, Salya Khan.
Megan has shown incredible growth throughout her apprenticeship, consistently applying her new skills and demonstrating a real readiness to take on new challenges. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to developing herself and supporting her team have truly set her apart.
Megan has recently applied for a new job, reflecting the confidence she has gained and the progress she continues to make in her role, all while actively applying what she learns.
Congratulations, Megan!
Runners up – Sally Phillips & Justin Hancox
Our final Learner Champion winner of 2025 is Taysha Smith of Cobra Coffee, nominated for Consistency & Professionalism by her coach, Lianne Russell.
Taysha has shown exceptional commitment to her development and has truly embodied what it means to grow as a leader. She successfully completed her CMI Level 5 Certificate in Leadership & Management, consistently attended every IGNITE Store Manager programme training session, and fully engaged with all activities, always willing to share feedback, contribute ideas, and support her peers.
She approached her CMI with dedication, planning her time effectively to ensure she protected space to complete her assignments. Taysha submitted her work on time, in the correct format, and required only minor formative feedback, which she responded to immediately, often resubmitting well ahead of deadline.
Most impressively, Taysha has consistently applied her classroom learning to her role as a Store Manager and is now demonstrating strong leadership behaviours and values within her store. A fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition.Congratulations, Taysha!
Runners up – Steve Brooker, Chloe Charters & Jose Ruben Jardim
We hope you’ve enjoyed celebrating our learners as much as we have!
We don’t see these as just awards, they’re stories of hard work, persistence, and personal growth.
Every nominee represents the very best of continual learning and what it means to be a lifelong learner.
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