- 07 July 2025
- Apprentices & Employer Information & Awards &
Wow! What an achievement to walk away with not one, not two but three awards at the VTCT Skills Excellence Awards 2025.
We are thrilled to share the news of our multiple award win, which took place at the VTCT Skills Excellence Awards ceremony on July 3rd at Oaklands College in Welwyn Garden City.
We won in the following three categories:
- Apprentice of the Year: Kitty Katana
- Educator of the Year: Jane Hills
- VTCT Champion of the Year: Tina Ockerby
VTCT Skills Apprentice Of The Year
The overall winner of the Apprentice of the Year was Kitty Katana.
The competition was fierce, with impressive stories and achievements showcased for all in a video montage.
Kitty has faced many challenges both personally and professionally, yet she has successfully ignited her passion for hairdressing. Through her dedication and determination, she has excelled in her field, winning national competitions and providing inclusive services. Alongside this, she has navigated her identity transition while actively supporting both the transgender community and her local community.
On winning, Kitty said, “I am so excited and thrilled to have won this award! Thank you VTCT Skills and thank you Kleek Apprenticeships!”.
VTCT Skills Educator Of The Year
Kleek Apprenticeships also triumphed in the highly prized Educator of the Year Award. This award was presented to our very own Jane Hills, a Hairdressing Educator in our North West region.
This award recognises educators who have gone the extra mile and Jane has been doing that for many years, not just this one! She has supported many apprentices who have faced difficult circumstances and helped them overcome obstacles to flourish and surpass their expectations while delivering innovative and high-quality teaching. In the last few years, she has been helping Anna, who is from the Gambia, who had to overcome confidence and language issues, but with Jane’s innovative and constant support, she has found her true calling and passion in hairdressing and passed her EPA. She is now well-equipped for a successful career in hairdressing.
Jane said, “I am stunned by this award win, but so proud to have been recognised in this way. It is a privilege to teach the new generation of hairdressers and barbers, and I enjoy every pass, every distinction and every journey of my apprentices. But Anna’s journey has been particularly inspiring. She has a real talent, and I’m glad to have been able to support her in achieving her true potential.”
VTCT Skills Champion of the Year
This award recognises an individual who has made a substantial and lasting impact within vocational education or their individual industry. It was awarded to our very own Managing Director, Tina Ockerby.
Tina is a true champion of the industry and her unwavering commitment to raising standards and ensuring the best training routes into the profession has had a lasting impact on countless learners, employers, and educators alike.
She has been involved at all levels, from being an apprentice herself to being a salon owner, an educator, and the leader of the UK’s leading hair and beauty training provider. We are so proud of her achievements and that she has been recognised in this way.
Tina said, “I'm honoured to have received this award. As everyone knows, I care deeply about our industry and look forward to supporting it in every possible way for many years to come.
However, all these awards are actually for each and every person who contributes to the success of Kleek – all our employers, learners, staff, and supporters – as without each and every one of them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
This recognition from VTCT Skills also validates our strong belief in the value of apprenticeships and our firm commitment to continue delivering outstanding training and support to all our apprentices and employers. They empower us to continue shaping the futures of aspiring hairdressers, beauty therapists, and barbers, and to transform lives through our exceptional apprenticeship programmes.”
It was wonderful to meet all our fellow nominees at the VTCT Skills Excellence Awards, and a great day was had by all! As we celebrate these amazing achievements, Kleek Apprenticeships remains dedicated to striving for excellence in education and continues to push the next generation of talent in the hair and beauty industry.
