West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards: honouring apprentices, employers and training providers

The West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards continues to stand as a leading celebration of the individuals and organisations driving the region’s skills agenda – honouring apprentices, employers and training providers who are playing a vital role in developing the workforce of the future.

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 West Yorkshire.

Boosting confidence – and careers

Winning an award offers apprentices invaluable recognition, boosting confidence, enhancing career progression, and showcasing their achievements to future employers.

We are proud to partner with Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity this year as our Charity Partner.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity exists to raise funds to help your ambulance service help you. They are helping save more lives across Yorkshire by funding projects which enable everyone to respond in a medical emergency. Over 30,000 people suffer cardiac arrests outside of hospitals in the UK every year. Their chances of survival double if it happens in front of a bystander who immediately starts CPR before our arrival.

Celebrating those who go the extra mile

Don’t miss the chance to submit your nominations! Last year, Olivia Blackham from Wakefield Council was recognised as the winner of the Health & Public Service Award.

Olivia transitioned from a career in hospitality into Learning and Development through an apprenticeship with Wakefield Council, using her informal teaching experience to build a purposeful career focused on compliance training that supports community health and economic growth.

She has led impactful initiatives including neurodiversity training and co-creating a Parent and Toddler First Aid programme, as well as contributing to AllergyPAL and delivering CPR awareness sessions through Restart a Heart.

Her work has earned widespread praise, with her team securing a major industry award and Olivia herself receiving recognition at the Regional Apprentice Awards. Now an Apprentice Ambassador, she continues to inspire others while working towards her CIPD Level 3 qualification.

Entries welcome from across our 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, 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.wyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 8pm on Wednesday, March 11.

Who can enter – and how

The winners will be announced at the live event on Thursday, May 14, at Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford. Guests are invited to join us from 6:45 pm for a welcome drink sponsored by Cedar Court Hotel, providing an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the award ceremony begins.

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

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 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 Kirklees College

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

Open to businesses, with 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 - Sponsored by FDM Group

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.