Housing Plus Group celebrates four finalists at Apprenticeship Awards
Housing Plus Group is celebrating after being shortlisted in four categories at the 2026 Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of outstanding apprentices across the region, while also highlighting employers and mentors who play a vital role in supporting apprenticeship programmes.
Housing Plus Group's finalists are:
- Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year – Jake Burnett
- Rising Star Apprentice of the Year – Madison Evans
- Mentor of the Year – Ryan Donegani
- Employer of the Year (Large Employer) – Housing Plus Group
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Telford in October.
The four nominations reflect Housing Plus Group's ongoing commitment to investing in talent and creating opportunities for people at every stage of their careers through apprenticeships.
Jake Burnett has been recognised in the Health and Social Care category for his dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting people with disabilities and complex needs. Despite entering the sector with no previous experience, Jake has quickly become a valued member of the team, consistently demonstrating a person-centred approach and a passion for helping others.
Madison Evans has been shortlisted in the Rising Star category after an impressive first year in Housing Plus Group's Development Team. Since starting her apprenticeship, she has played a key role in delivering new homes, including leading her first completed housing scheme in Telford, while achieving distinction grades throughout her studies.
Ryan Donegani has been named a finalist for Mentor of the Year in recognition of the exceptional support he provides to apprentices. His dedication to coaching, developing confidence and helping colleagues realise their potential has made a lasting impact on those he mentors.
Housing Plus Group's nomination in the Large Employer category recognises the scale and success of its apprenticeship programme. The organisation currently employs 33 apprentices, has created 13 new apprenticeship opportunities in the past year, and supports more than 100 colleagues working towards apprenticeship qualifications.
Housing Plus Group's latest apprenticeship recruitment round attracted nearly 400 applications, highlighting the popularity of the programme and the opportunities it creates.
Programmes are available from Level 2 through to Level 7, helping people build long-term careers and develop skills for the future.
Catherine Morgan-Trainor, Early Years and Apprenticeship Specialist at Housing Plus Group, said:
"We're incredibly proud to have been shortlisted in four categories at this year's Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards.
"These nominations are a fantastic recognition of the hard work, dedication and talent of our apprentices, mentors and colleagues who support them. We're particularly pleased to be recognised in the Large Employer category, which reflects our continued commitment to creating opportunities, developing skills and helping people reach their potential through apprenticeships.
"We would like to congratulate all of this year's finalists and wish them the very best of luck. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of apprentices from across the region at the awards ceremony in October."
15th July 2026