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

As National Apprenticeship Week highlights 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 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 North 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, Mike Pennington, business relationship manager for the YNY region for Made Smarter, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Engineering/Manufacturing category in the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards this year.

“We have been involved from the start over three years ago and it really does fit with the Yorkshire and Humber Made Smarter programme, which looks to support/fund students - the stars of the future with apprenticeships and intern programmes as a key aspect of Made Smarter. A perfect fit.”

Last year’s Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Award winner, Niamh Brodigan, has become an exemplary figure in her apprenticeship, seamlessly integrating her studies in manufacturing technology at AMRC Sheffield with a challenging role in structural engineering at GB Hire.

Starting as a product design apprentice at Portakabin, Niamh showcased her skills by developing innovative 3D models, later establishing herself as the primary engineer for a £150million business unit.

Her dual focus on gaining practical experience while advancing her academic credentials has propelled her into a critical position, where she actively engages hire centres across the UK.

Niamh’s dedication extends beyond technical responsibilities; she serves as a mental health first aider, advocates for community development and enhances workplace morale through team-building initiatives.

With numerous achievements in project management and operational efficiency, Niamh is a role model for her peers, inspiring future generations about the value of apprenticeships. Her journey illustrates the potential of hard work, commitment and passion in shaping an impactful career.

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 11, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa, Harrogate, 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 The DoubleTree Hotel, offering 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.nyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk by 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 or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]

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 - Sponsored by Made Smarter

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 - Sponsored by Yorkshire Water

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.