York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s first apprentice has won a top award.

Kieran Graham was named Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year at the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026. Kieran, 27, is a data apprentice supporting teams who oversee delivery of multi-million-pound skills programmes across the region.

Kieran, from Thirsk, joined the Combined Authority in February 2025 as the first apprentice in the organisation. He received his award in a ceremony held at The Majestic hotel in Harrogate on Thursday (11) night.

Kieran said:

“It was a real honour to win the award, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team. They’ve been so patient and shared their knowledge and expertise with me.

“I feel proud to work at the Combined Authority because I’m in a role where I feel like I’m making a difference. I’d finished university with a degree in film and started work in marketing, but it wasn’t fulfilling. An apprenticeship was a great next step for me as it combined learning and work, and it’s a route I would recommend to anyone.”

Kieran completed his apprenticeship with a distinction. His work includes analysing data connected to the region’s £10m Adult Skills Fund.

Sara Jeffs, director of people and transformation at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:

“Seeing our apprentice recognised like this highlights the real impact of investing in people. At York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’re committed to helping more individuals across the region access opportunities like this and working with employers to support their teams to grow and succeed.

We are currently developing our apprenticeship levy transfer offer to help make that possible, with more to be shared in the coming weeks.”

Further details about the apprenticeship levy transfer offer will be shared on the Combined Authority’s website and social media channels soon.