CIH learner of the year and apprentice of the year 2025 announced

For the first time the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Awarding Organisation has held a competition to find the best housing learner and apprentice of the year from across CIH’s study centres in the UK. CIH is pleased to announce the winners for 2025 are:

Learner of the year - Dawne Meynell-Western: studied the CIH Level 3 and has commenced the Level 4 Certificate in Housing with Gower College.
Apprentice of the year - Eve Jakeman: completed her apprenticeship with Kingdom Academy and the end point assessment with our CIH Awarding Organisation.

These awards recognise the overall performance of learners and apprentices throughout the academic year. Study centres nominate stand out learners that meet specific criteria such as exceeding educational expectations, overcoming significant challenges to studies or making a substantial difference to workplace, study centre or community.

CIH learner of the year 2025 – Dawne Meynell-Weston

Facing significant personal and professional challenges during her studies, Dawne has demonstrated a level of resilience and dedication that is truly inspiring. Despite holding a demanding frontline role within the council's severely understaffed homelessness service, which offered no time for training, Dawne proactively utilised her own annual leave to pursue the Level 3 qualification and went on to progress to a Level 4 qualification.

CIH apprentice of the year 2025 – Eve Jakeman

Eve came into the apprenticeship with no experience in the housing sector, but that didn’t slow her down, she took every opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. She explored three key departments, income, lettings and property management, getting hands-on experience and figuring out where her passion truly lies. Eve’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone and immerse herself in different areas has set her up for success.

Commenting on the 2025 award winners CIH engagement manager, Sue Bailey said:

“We have been very impressed by the drive, commitment and dedication shown by the learners and apprentices nominated this year. Many have gone way beyond the requirements for the qualifications, and others have dealt with significant challenges at home and work whilst studying.

“Congratulations to both of this year's winners and to all our nominees. These awards show the exceptional work of CIH leaners and demonstrate the talent and professionalism in the housing sector.”

The winner from each category has been entered into Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) learner of the year and apprentice of the year by the CIH Awarding Organisation.

Find out more about what our CIH Awarding Organisation offers: