WE ARE THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS

The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships, and the success stories of those who have embraced apprenticeships with passion.

Apprenticeships are helping employers to thrive and apprentices to follow their dreams. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the very best employers, apprentices and apprenticeship champions across the country.

Guidance documents are available on the categories page, and we will be hosting several webinars to explain the awards process in more detail, including hints and tips on completing your application. To help you start your winning entry please follow link below to view webinar recording:

Employer and Rising Star Apprentice and Apprenticeship Champion

ENTRY FAQs

How can I get in touch if I have a question?

A full Q & A document is available to download below. If you still have any questions or issues with the online form you can get in touch using our webform, by emailing entries@appawards.co.uk or by telephone on our freephone line 0800 954 88 96. The helpline opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

What is the closing date for entries?

You must ensure your application is submitted by 5:00pm on 25 September 2020. We will email you a confirmation of receipt. If your application requires a reference (Apprentice and Champion categories only) or apprentice declaration (Rising Star category only) this must also be complete by 5:00pm on 25 September 2020.

Can I enter the Apprenticeship Awards on behalf of the entrant?

The Rising Star category requires the employer to nominate their apprentice and submit an application on their behalf.

Applications for the Apprenticeship Champion of the Year category have changed this year, and the entrant must initially be nominated by a colleague/contact. The main application will be completed by the individual nominated.

For Employer and Apprentice of the Year categories you can submit an entry on behalf of the entrant, however, remember that you will need their permission as the application requires the entrant’s personal details. The answers need to be written in the words of the entrant.

How does the Awards process work?

The National Apprenticeship Awards are a competitive process and progression is made through several stages:

Firstly, all applications are read and sifted to find the highest scoring category entrants in each region
These proceed to moderation where a decision is made on the category finalists
Regional finalists will be publicly announced
The regional winners automatically progress to the national judging stage and will be invited to the final virtual ceremony
The national judging panel will select from the country’s elite one national winner and two highly commended in each category
The National Apprenticeship Award winners will be announced at a virtual national celebration event.

Can't find the question you are looking for? Download the full entry FAQs.

Download PDF version

WHO CAN APPLY?

The National Apprenticeship Awards are open to apprenticeship employers, apprenticeship champions and apprentices (or those who have completed their apprenticeship since September 2019) in England. Submissions from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not eligible unless the apprenticeship has taken place in England.

The awards are free to enter, and details on the application criteria for each award is included on the awards category pages of this website.

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

We want to celebrate the achievements of exceptional apprentices, employers and apprenticeship champions. By entering the awards, you can demonstrate your commitment to apprenticeships, and receive the recognition you deserve.

The application process is a great opportunity to take stock and put in writing all your achievements to date. If you’re successful as a regional or national finalist, you can use the accolade to boost your company profile or CV.

The National Apprenticeship Awards challenge top apprenticeship employers, apprentices and those who champion apprenticeships across England to come forward and show how apprenticeships have made a real difference to their organisation and careers.

The Benefits of Applying

Employers

Employers who are recognised through the National Apprenticeship Awards receive a range of benefits:

A top accolade for all their hard work and commitment to apprenticeships
Public recognition through national, regional and sector media channels
Invites to and Speaking opportunities at high profile events
Enhanced reputation plus a motivated workforce and increased staff morale
Regional Finalists invited to a virtual Regional Ceremony
All Regional Winners become National Finalists and are invited to a virtual national celebration event.

Apprentices and Champions

Apprentices and Apprenticeship Champions who are recognised at the National Apprenticeship Awards will receive the following benefits:

A top accolade for all the hard work you have put into your apprenticeship or promoting apprenticeships
The honour of being named one of the best apprentices or Champions in England, and an exemplar for your outstanding achievements. It looks great on your CV!
Public recognition through national, regional and sector media channels
Invites to and Speaking opportunities at high profile events
Regional Finalists invited to a virtual Regional Ceremony
All Regional Winners become National Finalists and are invited to a virtual national celebration event.