1V APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2026
SPONSORED BY
The Apprentice of the Year Award will acknowledge and celebrate an apprentice’s contribution to their workplace. To enter this category, you must either be currently undertaking that level (as of 1st November 2025) or have completed it since 1 July 2025.
He/she should show commitment to their personal and professional development and carry a positive and professional attitude.
This award was launched in 2025 and entrants for this category have usually completed more than 50% of their current apprenticeship and also need to provide a reference from their employer.
Employers can also nominate apprentices who have made an outstanding contribution to the workplace in a short space of time. The apprentice will be showing promising progress.
The Apprentice of the Year Award is open to those living or working in Blackburn with Darwen.
HERE ARE YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Chloe
Booth
Chloe Booth is a committed and hardworking Payroll & Pensions Assistant, known for her professionalism, dedication, and caring nature. She achieves excellence in every task she undertakes, ensuring employees are supported and paid accurately, contributing to the smooth operation of the wider community services.
This summer, Chloe achieved a Distinction in her Apprenticeship, reflecting her commitment, determination, and high standard of work. Throughout her course, she received consistent praise from her college tutor and colleagues for completing tasks ahead of deadlines, asking insightful questions, and understanding not only what needed to be done but why it mattered. She regularly offers support and guidance to team members, demonstrating leadership and teamwork beyond her role.
Chloe also dedicates her time to community causes. She has raised £550 for Derian House Children’s Hospice by completing a skydiving challenge in support of her sister, Leah, and is currently undertaking a 10km swim for Cancer Research, exemplifying her commitment to helping others.
Her combination of professional excellence, personal dedication, and community engagement sets Chloe apart. She consistently goes above and beyond in both her work and charitable efforts, making her a deserving nominee for recognition in her field.
Caitlin
Boyle
Caitlin Boyle has made a significant impact within her work community by overhauling key processes, creating consistency across workflows and greatly improving efficiency. These changes have had a direct positive effect on the taxi drivers she supports, reducing timescales and providing greater stability for managing their businesses. As a result, there are fewer follow-ups and complaints, and the community now benefits from a more reliable and streamlined approach.
In addition to transforming operational processes, Caitlin actively contributes to the Young Persons and Early Careers Network. By sharing her experiences and insights, she provides guidance and support to colleagues navigating early career challenges. Her involvement has been highly valued, helping others build confidence, develop skills, and make informed decisions about their professional growth.
Through both process improvements and engagement with the network, Caitlin demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting and empowering others. Her work has strengthened community relationships, improved operational outcomes, and fostered collaboration and learning among colleagues.
This combination of operational impact, mentorship, and leadership highlights Caitlin Boyle’s dedication to both improving systems and supporting people, creating a lasting contribution to the workplace and the wider community.
Aaminah Karolia
Aaminah is a 21-year-old digital marketing professional from Blackburn who is passionate about giving back to her community and celebrating the people, places, and stories that make it special. She has demonstrated creativity, resilience, and dedication, bringing energy and innovation to every project she undertakes.
Over the last year, Aaminah has developed engaging, community-focused campaigns, including a photographer-focused social media initiative that gave local artists a platform to showcase their work, and the VE Day crochet post box topper displayed on King William Street. She also celebrated her first published article in The Shuttle and was honoured with the Superglue Staff Award 2024.
Living with dyslexia has strengthened her determination and drive, shaping her positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges. Aaminah is known for her creativity, technical skill, and her ability to tell the stories of her community in a way that inspires and engages others.
Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, baking, photographing nature, and spending time with family. Her commitment to empowering her community, paired with her creativity and initiative, makes Aaminah a truly deserving finalist for One Voice Young Person of the Year.
Nico
Novello
Nico Novello is a dedicated Level 2 Barber apprentice who consistently demonstrates passion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to personal development. Known for his excellent work ethic, Nico applies himself fully both in the salon and during college, always approaching new opportunities with enthusiasm and determination.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Nico has shown a willingness to step forward and take on challenges that others may shy away from. Earlier this year, he proudly represented his college at the Concept event alongside his tutor, Kelly—an experience that pushed him out of his comfort zone and further strengthened his motivation to succeed. This opportunity played a key role in his growth, inspiring him to continually refine his skills and raise his standards.
Nico has a natural ability to build strong relationships with clients, enabling him to establish a loyal and growing client base. His caring approach, combined with outstanding communication skills, ensures consistently high levels of client care and satisfaction. Actively engaging in every practical session, Nico is always striving to improve his craft.
Reliable, passionate, and driven, Nico is a valued member of the salon team and a deserving finalist, setting an excellent example of what a modern apprentice barber should aspire to be.
WINNER 2026
Apprentice Barber Nico Novello Wins Top Award
SPONSORED BY
Nico Novello was announced as the winner of the 1V Apprentice of the Year Award 2026, sponsored by SP Electricity North West, in recognition of his exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to personal development throughout his apprenticeship journey.
A Level 2 Barber apprentice, Nico has consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, combining technical skill with enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine passion for his profession. Both in the salon and at college, he has embraced every opportunity to learn, develop, and challenge himself, earning the respect of colleagues, tutors, and clients alike.
One of Nico’s standout achievements this year was representing his college at the prestigious Concept event alongside his tutor. The experience pushed him beyond his comfort zone and further strengthened his ambition to succeed, helping him develop both personally and professionally.
Known for his excellent communication skills and caring approach, Nico has built strong relationships with clients and established a loyal and growing customer base. His commitment to delivering outstanding client care, combined with his determination to continually improve his craft, has made him a valued member of the salon team and an inspiring role model for fellow apprentices.
Nico added, “This award goes out to all my family and friends, and to the staff at Blackburn College. Massive thanks One Voice for the award.”
The One Voice Apprentice of the Year Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential, dedication, and achievement. Nico’s passion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence make him a thoroughly deserving winner of the 2026 title.