Evie Blackburn wins Apprentice of the Year at Made in Manchester Awards

Evie Blackburn, a Content Creator Apprentice with cohort 45, has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Manchester Awards 2026.

Evie recently completed her apprenticeship with a distinction while working at Manchester Youth Zone (MYZ).

Finding her path

Evie left college in June 2024 and was working a part-time job with irregular shifts. Although she enjoyed the role and the team, she knew university wasn’t the right path for her. With a strong interest in social media, she applied to The Juice Academy and secured her apprenticeship at MYZ. Her goal was to expand her social media knowledge, gain a qualification and explore career opportunities within the industry.

“Honestly, my whole role at MYZ feels like a highlight. It’s amazing to work with such a dedicated team and inspiring young people every day. I’ve had incredible opportunities, including attending the MTV EMAs and week-long residentials. Volunteering with pro-manchester and future-pro at the Made in Manchester Awards 2025 and the Summer Social was another standout moment. I helped create content, manage social media, and network with professionals. It was a great experience,” says Evie.

Winning apprentice of the year

Evie describes winning Apprentice of the Year as an “incredibly grateful and honouring” moment. “I was genuinely surprised, especially with so many amazing apprentices shortlisted. It was a very proud moment for me.”

The recognition reflects her hard work both on day-to-day tasks and extra projects. “It means a lot to be recognised for all the effort I put in, including the additional studying and work on different projects. Representing Manchester Youth Zone in a room full of talented young professionals was inspiring. Professionally, it feels like a huge step forward and gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself.”

Lessons learned and skills gained

One of the biggest lessons Evie has taken from her apprenticeship is to take every opportunity. “Saying yes, getting involved, and putting yourself forward can open so many doors.” Networking has been another key skill. She adds, “Networking events can feel daunting, but building relationships is so important. I’ve also developed my editing, copywriting, and overall content creation strategy skills, and have recently supported the development of our website.”

Advice for other apprentices

Evie encourages other apprentices to fully embrace their opportunities. “Always try your best and get stuck in. Take opportunities even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Networking and building strong relationships really make a difference. I found out about the Made in Manchester Awards through volunteering with The Juice Academy, and a year later I was attending as both a shortlisted nominee and a winner. It shows how important it is to put yourself out there.”

Evie’s story demonstrates the power of apprenticeships in helping young people gain confidence, develop valuable skills, and take important steps in their careers.

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!