Time to celebrate East Yorkshire’s apprenticeship champions at prestigious annual awards event

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.

With 14 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.

Speaking about their support for the awards, Dave Beales, Brough site general manager at BAE Systems, said: “BAE Systems is committed to providing opportunities for young people through our apprenticeships and graduate programmes, and to developing the skills vital to the UK and its security.

“As part of that commitment, we are proud to once again sponsor the Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year Award.”

2025 award winner Ethan Jagger, of Cranswick plc, highlighted his impressive growth and commitment to IT. Originally interested in engineering, he chose an IT apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience and quickly proved himself as a motivated, professional team member delivering high-quality work.

He also led research into real-time translation technology to better support Cranswick’s diverse workforce, improving training and onboarding across the business.

By his third year, Ethan had become a mentor to junior apprentices and set his sights on a future in network engineering, standing out for his innovation and dedication.

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 on Thursday, June 18, held at MKM Stadium, Hull, bringing the apprenticeship community together for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

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

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.

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 more information, please contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]

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 a 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 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 - 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.