East Yorkshire Apprentice Awards - celebrating workforce of the future

It has become a flagship celebration of the people powering the region’s skills pipeline – recognising apprentices, employers, and training providers who are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

With 14 award categories, the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievement across the apprenticeship landscape, highlighting 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 investing in skills development and long-term career opportunities across East Yorkshire.

Winning an award offers apprentices invaluable recognition, boosting confidence, enhancing career progression, and showcasing 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.

We are proud to partner with Aphasia Support this year as our Charity Partner.

There are 350,000 people in the UK living with aphasia, a life-changing condition that can make speaking, understanding, reading and writing extremely difficult.

It is often the devastating result of a sudden stroke, leaving people unable to communicate overnight.

Aphasia Support is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with aphasia and their carers through tailored speech and language therapy and long-term support.

Your generosity helps people regain independence, communicate with confidence, reconnect with loved ones and live life to the fullest.

Also we would like to welcome Yorkshire Water as one of our sponsors, who will be presenting the Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award.

Yorkshire Water provides essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and plays a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing and prosperity.

We’re an integral part of Yorkshire life and 5 million customers, millions of visitors, and 140,000 businesses rely on us, every day.

Last year’s winner was Ethan Moorhouse, Severfield.

Ethan began his apprenticeship as a Metal Fabricator at Severfield in September 2022, working towards a Level 3 Metal Fabricator standard, which he is set to complete by June 2026.

After studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, he found practical application of his knowledge at Severfield’s Infrastructure division.

Ethan has developed skills in technical drawing interpretation, precision fabrication, and heat application while gaining confidence in handling complex processes.

Beyond technical abilities, he has showcased leadership through support for fellow apprentices and involvement in health and safety initiatives.

His achievements include the ‘One to Watch’ award and recognition at the Metals Industry Apprentice of the Year Competition.

Having worked on notable projects like the Museum of London expansion, Ethan aims to become a Detailer, integrating his interests in mathematics and engineering with CAD design.

His journey highlights his growth, dedication, and commitment to excellence, making him a role model for future apprentices.

Do you know someone who could be the winner this year?

The awards programme continues to expand, welcoming entries from across the region and celebrating the crucial role apprenticeships play in supporting local industries and communities.

Winners will be announced at a prestigious live ceremony, bringing the apprenticeship community together for an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition.

Businesses and training providers supporting apprenticeships are encouraged to submit nominations and take part in this regional showcase, highlighting the 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.

Entries must be submitted online via www.eyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 8pm on Wednesday, April 15.

The winners will be announced at the live event on Thursday, June 18, held at MKM Stadium, Hull.

Guests are invited to join us from 6.45 pm for a welcome drink sponsored by MKM Stadium, providing an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the award ceremony begins.

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.

For further information not covered on the website, 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.

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 - Sponsored by Yorkshire Water

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 Masters Degree).

The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.

Construction Apprentice - Sponsored by Hudson Contract

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 - Sponsored by BAE Systems

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 - Sponsored by York St John University

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 - Sponsored by Yorkshire Water

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.