Enter now: Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards return to celebrate future talent
Apprentices from across the North, East, South and West of Yorkshire are set to be celebrated as the regional Apprenticeship Awards return, shining a spotlight on the individuals, employers and training providers who are driving skills development and shaping the future workforce.
With 14 award categories, the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievement across the apprenticeship landscape, recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate excellence, commitment and impact.
The event brings together apprentices at all stages of their journey, alongside businesses and training providers who are investing in skills development and long-term career opportunities across East Yorkshire.
Celebrating apprentices in East Yorkshire
Speaking about their support for the awards, Ian Anfield MICE, Managing Director of Hudson Contract, sponsor of the East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards - Construction Apprentice of the Year Award, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Construction Apprentice of the Year Award.
“We strongly believe that serving an apprenticeship provides the most solid of starts for a successful career.
“We’ve sponsored more than 300 apprentices in East Yorkshire, and we’re delighted to celebrate excellence in apprenticeships across our industry.”
Apprentices are lifeblood of North Yorkshire economy
Claire Gavaghan MA.Ed MIoL, CEO of Derwent Training, sponsor of the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award, said: “Derwent Training is proud to sponsor the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards once again.
“Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our regional economy, providing businesses with the specific skills needed to innovate and thrive.
“By celebrating these achievements, we highlight how dedicated skill development fuels local prosperity and empowers the next generation of North Yorkshire’s workforce.”
Major benefits of degree apprenticeships in South Yorkshire
Sharon Smith, Director of Skills and Partnerships at Sheffield Hallam University sponsors of the Degree Apprentice of the Year in the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to be working on degree apprenticeships as their importance has recently been acknowledged by the government for their contribution to meeting higher technical skills needs.
“Our programmes align with national policy and the priority sectors defined by the Industrial Strategy and are informed by our extensive network of employer and civic stakeholder partners, and we are building real momentum both regionally and nationally.
“Degree apprenticeships provide major benefits to public services, businesses of all sizes, and most importantly the apprentices.”
Positive impact of apprenticeships in West Yorkshire
Helen Rose, Vice Principal Apprenticeships and External Relations at Kirklees College said: “We are delighted to be this year’s sponsor of the Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice award at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
“As a leading provider of engineering and process manufacturing apprenticeships in the region, Kirklees College knows first-hand the positive impact of apprenticeships and training in this sector, which is one of our region’s great industries.
“Kirklees College trains over 1,000 apprentices every year with local and national companies, therefore we are always thrilled to shine a light on talented apprentices.”
Winning an award offers apprentices invaluable recognition, helping to boost confidence, enhance career progression and showcase their achievements to future employers.
For businesses and training providers, the awards provide a powerful platform to highlight best practice, celebrate mentoring excellence and demonstrate a commitment to nurturing talent and building a skilled workforce.
The awards programme continues to grow year on year, encouraging entries from across the region and celebrating the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening local industries and communities. Winners will be revealed at a prestigious live awards ceremony, bringing together the apprenticeship community for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.
Businesses supporting apprenticeship schemes are invited to submit nominations and take part in this regional celebration. Together, the awards recognise the positive and lasting impact apprenticeships have on individuals, organisations and the wider economy.
Nominations are open to apprentices themselves, as well as employers, colleges and training providers. Dedicated categories also recognise employers and mentors, allowing businesses to nominate teams and individuals who go above and beyond to support apprentice development.
How to enter in your Yorkshire region
Entries must be submitted online via the relevant regional Apprenticeship Awards website, with closing dates varying by region.
East Yorkshire: www.eyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk West Yorkshire: www.wyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk North Yorkshire: www.nyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk South Yorkshire: www.syapprenticeshipawards.co.uk
The winners will be announced at the live events held across May and June where guests are invited to join us from 6:45 pm for a welcome drink providing an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the award ceremony begins.
The criteria and how to enter
To be eligible for apprentice award categories, applicants must live, work or train within the region and have been enrolled on their apprenticeship programme for at least 12 months prior to the event date.
Entries may be submitted by the apprentice, employer or training provider.
All submissions are assessed against clear judging criteria, and applicants are encouraged to address each directive in full to support a strong and competitive entry.
To find out more or become a sponsor
For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]
As National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of skills, opportunity and progression, the East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards provides a platform to celebrate the people driving positive change across the region’s apprenticeship community.
The Apprenticeship Award Categories
Intermediate Apprentice: Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4-9).
Advanced Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass).
Higher Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification. (equivalent to a foundation degree)
Degree Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree). The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Construction Apprentice: Open to apprentices who work within the construction industry.
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who work within the engineering or manufacturing sectors.
Health and Public Service Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who work within the health or public service sectors.
Professional Services Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who work within professional services.
Technology and Digital Apprentice: Open to apprentices, who work within a digital or technology sector.
SME Employer: Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
Large Employer: Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador: This award celebrates individuals that have been outstanding advocates for apprenticeships, raising awareness and championing opportunities for young talent. The entry should be completed by either the apprentice or organisation.
Mentor: This category is for an individual who has encouraged and inspired apprentices throughout their training programme.
Mentors can be the line manager, a training provider or someone that the apprentice works with who has greatly contributed to the individual’s development. Entries should be completed by either the apprentice or an individual that has witnessed the impact that the mentor has had on the individual.
Training Provider / Programme: Open to colleges, organisations, or businesses that provide the training element of one or more apprenticeship programmes. Nominations can be made either for a specific apprenticeship programme or a provider that offers multiple programmes.