Award Categories
Discover the award categories and entry criteria for the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2026, celebrating excellence in apprenticeships and workforce training across the UK.
Discover the award categories and entry criteria for the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2026, celebrating excellence in apprenticeships and workforce training across the UK.
The Apprenticeship and Training Awards are the national celebration of excellence in apprenticeship and training provision across the UK. Each year, these prestigious awards honour the employers, training providers, and individuals making a remarkable impact on skills development and workforce success.
Nominations for the 2026 awards will open in July and close at the end of October. This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on your organisation, team, or programme and gain the recognition you deserve.
To give your nomination the best chance, carefully review the category criteria and clearly demonstrate the innovation, outcomes, and impact that set your work apart.
Celebrates creativity and innovation in how training or apprenticeship programmes are delivered, leading to improved outcomes.
Recognises a successful collaboration between an employer
and/or training provider and/or service provider that has led to
outstanding results in apprenticeship or training delivery.
For an organisation that has made significant efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within its apprenticeship and training programmes.
Recognises an organisation that has integrated sustainability practices into their apprenticeship and training delivery.
Celebrates an employer’s long-term commitment to developing apprenticeships and training as a key part of their workforce strategy.
For a new apprenticeship programme that has been launched successfully and has shown significant early impact.
Recognises a training provider or employer that offers exceptional support to apprentices and trainees, helping them to succeed.
Celebrates the innovative use of technology in delivering training or apprenticeships, leading to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes.
Recognises an individual that has made a significant, long-term contribution to the advancement of apprenticeships and training in their industry and organisation.
For an employer that has used apprenticeships and training to support social mobility and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups.
This category is designed to acknowledge the crucial role that training providers play in readying young people for the workplace, ensuring they have the necessary skills and confidence to succeed
This category is designed to highlight the importance of English and Maths skills in the success of apprenticeships and workplace training, recognising training providers who excel in delivering these essential skills in innovative and effective ways.
Celebrates a provider that specialises in delivering apprenticeships and has achieved outstanding results.
Recognises an employer that has been an advocate for apprenticeships and training, demonstrating leadership and commitment.
Recognises the most impactful and innovative apprenticeship programme an employer provider or training provider delivers.
Recognises a large employer that has shown exceptional commitment to apprenticeship and workplace training programmes.
Celebrates a small or medium-sized employer that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to developing apprentices and trainees.
Recognises a large employer that has shown exceptional commitment to apprenticeship and workplace training programmes.
For the training provider that has delivered exceptional quality in apprenticeship and training programmes.
The Special Recognition Award is designed to honour an individual who has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the apprenticeship and training sector on a national level. This prestigious award recognises a figure whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication have significantly advanced the industry, shaping the future of apprenticeships and workplace training in the UK.
