Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards: get your nominations in now
The Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards honour apprentices, employers and training providers who are playing a vital role in developing the workforce of the future.
The awards continue to stand as a leading celebration of the individuals and organisations driving the region’s skills agenda.
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 Lancashire.
Awards boost career progression
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, Craig Watson, Project Manager for NWAAN, said: “We are proud to sponsor this year’s Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards and celebrate the outstanding talent, innovation and dedication within our region. Recognising these achievements reflects our commitment to supporting excellence and empowering those who are shaping a brighter future.”
A commitment to investing in people
Last year's winner of the SME Employer of the Year was Davenports Group Ltd. The organisation places talent development at the heart of its long-term strategy, focusing on nurturing skills from within and closing industry skill gaps. Its apprenticeship programme plays a pivotal role, creating a motivated workforce equipped with both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills.
A collaborative culture built around mentorship supports apprentices throughout their journey, helping them grow into confident professionals.
Success stories such as Hayden and Daniel highlight the impact of this approach. Both have progressed from apprentices to valued team members and are now nearing completion of their AAT Level 4 qualifications.
The organisation’s commitment to investing in people has also been recognised nationally, earning an Apprentice of the Year award and securing 37th place in the UK’s Top Apprenticeship Employers rankings in 2023. These achievements underline the belief that developing apprentices is key to building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Entries welcome from across the region
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, May 7th, at Blackpool Football Club, 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.lancashireapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 8 pm on Wednesday, March 11.
How to nominate someone for an award
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 or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]
Award Categories
Intermediate Apprentice - sponsored by Blackpool & The Fylde College
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 - sponsored by Veka Plc
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
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 - sponsored by North West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
Large Employer - Sponsored by SP Electricity North West
Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador - sponsored by Lancashire Skills Hub
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.