In 2025, the Norwich-based insurance company had 630 apprentices, with more than 360 apprenticeship starts.

The UK's largest insurer won two awards at the Norfolk Apprenticeship Awards, with Lucy Elliott winning Apprentice Achievement in Exceptional Circumstances.

Norfolk Apprenticeship Awards winners (Image: JULIAN CLAXTON)

Mia Hutchinson, an apprentice veterinary nurse at Dereham Vets in Toftwood, was named Apprentice of the Year - Advanced Level (Level 3), the most hotly-contended category, which attracted more than half of all entries.

She was one of 12 winners announced at the ceremony held during National Apprenticeship Week at Norwich City Football Club on February 11.

Mia Hutchinson, Apprentice of the Year - Advanced Level (Level 3) (Image: Julian Claxton)

The judges heard how Mia had excelled in her previous role at CVS UK, Larwood and Kennedy Practice in Dereham.

Mia achieved distinctions in all of her clinical exams and assignments, completing her apprenticeship four months early despite significant ill health.

Her former employer said: “Mia hasn’t let her illness define her. To excel in all 12 exams is truly phenomenal."

Receiving her award, Mia said: “I feel that before starting this job, I wouldn’t have maybe considered an apprenticeship as an older student - but you can go for it at any age."

Matt Rowe, a property maintenance apprentice with Flagship Housing, won Apprentice of the Year - Intermediate Level (Level 2).

Matt Rowe, Apprentice of the Year - Intermediate Level (Level 2) (Image: Julian Claxton)

“Definitely go for it,” said Matt, after receiving his award. “There are people out there that are willing to help you, even though you don’t think they are.

"I was academic, but I didn’t like school - I didn’t like classrooms. So, it was a trade, and I couldn’t really pick which one, and I ended up doing all of them, and now I’m here.

"So, you’ve got to pick what you want, and then you’ve just got to go for it."

Other winners in the 2026 awards were:

Molly Shreeve, Magdalen Medical Practice: Apprentice of the Year – Higher Level (Level 4-5)

Lucy Elliott, Aviva: Achievement in Exceptional Circumstances

Chloe Denholm, Alan Boswell Group: Mentor or Manager of the Year

DWP/King’s Lynn JobCentre Plus: Apprenticeship Advocate

Aviva plc: Large Apprenticeships Employer of the Year

Bill Cleyndert & Company, Medium-Sized Apprenticeships Employer of the Year

Rebekah Girling, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital: Impact Award

Plantscape Tree Services: Contribution to Green Apprenticeships

Able2B: Micro and Small Apprenticeships Employer of the Year

Francesca Hubbard: Apprentice of the Year – Degree Level (Level 6-7)

Katy Dorman, apprenticeship strategy manager at Norfolk County Council, said: “The awards are a powerful reminder of the impact apprenticeships can have on individuals and businesses alike.

"Beyond the celebration of the individual award winners, these awards reflect something else quite special.

“As the chairman of Norfolk County Council councillor Tom Fitzpatrick started the awards ceremony by reminding us, ‘Apprentices thrive because someone supports them. Tonight we celebrate not just individual achievement, but the network of people who lift each other up’."

© Eastern Daily Press