Celebrating apprentices at our third annual Apprenticeship Awards

We marked National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating our apprentices and the colleagues and partners who support them at our third annual Apprenticeship Awards on Wednesday 11 February.

Published: 17/02/2026

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The event brought together apprentices, line managers, partners and senior colleagues to recognise the vital role learning plays in building skills, confidence and long-term careers in housing. Earlier the same day, we also officially opened the new home of the Peabody Academy in London, underlining our continued investment in learning and development.
 
The Bob Kerslake Award for Apprentice of the Year - named in honour of our late Chair and lifelong advocate for learning - was presented to Magdalena Michalik.
 
Magdalena plays an important role in improving how disrepair issues are resolved for our residents. Reflecting on her experience, she said her apprenticeship has allowed her to “grow in confidence, meet new people and be challenged.”
 
Richard O’Hara, a customer service specialist, was named Rising Star of the Year after making a strong impact early in his apprenticeship.
 
“It helps shape you as a person and it helps shape your future,” Richard said.
 
“The more learning you do and the more knowledge and information you get, the better person you can be - not only for Peabody but for yourself. I highly recommend it.”
 
We also recognised Jason Munford, Operations Director, for championing apprenticeships across our organisation, and Edward Ogundele, Contracts Manager, for the support he provides to apprentices in his team. The Hill Group was recognised for creating apprenticeship opportunities on our developments.
 
Today, four per cent of our workforce is in earn-and-learn roles, and we hold silver membership of the 5% Club in recognition of our commitment to developing skills and future talent through apprenticeships.
 
Speaking at the awards, our Chair Caroline Corby said the growth of apprenticeships shows how learning has become part of everyday working life at Peabody.
 
“Just two years ago, our apprenticeship journey began with ambition. Today, it has real momentum,” she said.
 
“We now have 173 apprentices across Peabody, with 101 starting this year alone.”