Rolls-Royce’s Jack Billingham has won the Rising Star of the Year and Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the East Midlands National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026. The ceremony to announce the regional winners was held on 7 October.
Jack Billingham won the coveted awards and will now progress to represent the region at the National Final on 25 November 2026.
Receiving this recognition for my apprenticeship is an incredible milestone. It is a true testament to the quality of the Rolls-Royce Submarines programme, which has provided the foundation for my success, and I am deeply grateful for the ongoing guidance and support from my managers and peers.
Jack Billingham, Rolls-Royce PLC
The 23rd annual National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards challenges top employers, apprentices, T Level students and those who champion skills across England to come forward and show how apprenticeships and T Levels have made a real difference to their organisation and careers.
Each regional ceremony recognises apprentices, T Level students that have gone above and beyond to make a different whilst undertaking their apprenticeship or T Level, exceptionally dedicated apprenticeship employers, T Level employers and individuals who champion skills and all their benefits.
Apprenticeship and T Level employers, apprentices and T Level students and skills champions from all industries entered the awards – with over 1,000 entries received nationally from sectors including public sector, construction, health, IT, science and digital.
These finalists are apprenticeship and T Level exemplars, highlighting best practice across recruitment excellence, high quality training practices, diversity and career progression.
You can vote for Jack, or any of the other finalists here.
For more articles like this, visit our People & Skills channel.
