North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026: Entries now open for popular annual event

Now in its fifth year, the awards ceremony 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 National Apprenticeship Week underway and highlighting the importance of skills, opportunity and progression, the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards provides a platform to celebrate the people driving positive change across the region’s apprenticeship community.

With 14 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 North Yorkshire.

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 platform to highlight best practice, celebrate mentoring excellence and demonstrate a commitment to nurturing talent and building a skilled workforce.

Claire Gavaghan, CEO of Derwent Training, sponsor of the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award, explained why the company supports the awards.

She 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.”

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.

The winners will be revealed at a prestigious live awards ceremony on Thursday, June 11, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa, Harrogate, bringing together the apprenticeship community for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

Guests are invited to arrive from 6.45pm for a welcome drink sponsored by The DoubleTree Hotel, before dinner is served and the awards ceremony begins.

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.

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.

Here are the award categories:

Intermediate Apprentice - Sponsored by Derwent Training

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 a Bachelor's or Masters 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 - Sponsored by York St John University

Open to businesses, with more than 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.

Entries must be submitted online via www.nyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk by 8pm on Wednesday, April 15.

For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]