Apprenticeship Awards Nomination Guide
Loughborough College Group’s Apprenticeship Awards aim to celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices, employers, mentors and staff who make a positive impact through apprenticeship training.
When completing your nomination, please provide clear examples and evidence to demonstrate why the individual or organisation deserves recognition. The strongest nominations will include specific achievements, measurable outcomes and examples of excellence.
Apprenticeship Awards Timeline
Applications Open: 2nd October 2026
Applications Close: 4th December 2026 at 5pm
Judging: 7th - 11th December 2026
Finalists Announced: 14th December 2026
Winners Announced: 9th February 2027 Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony
Please note: All nominations received before the closing date will be reviewed and considered by an internal judging panel. Finalists and winners will be selected based on the information provided within each nomination against the relevant award criteria.
Awards Categories
Apprentice of the Year
— Overall
Awarded to the most outstanding apprentice from across all apprenticeship sectors.
A suitable nominee may:
- Demonstrate exceptional achievement above and beyond normal expectations
- Show outstanding personal growth, resilience and commitment throughout their apprenticeship journey
- Have made a significant impact on their employer, colleagues, customers, fellow apprentices or the wider community
Apprentice of the Year
— Sector-specific Awards
These awards recognise apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, progress and impact within their chosen industry.
A suitable nominee may:
- Consistently exceed expectations in their workplace and apprenticeship programme
- Demonstrate outstanding professional development, technical skills and commitment to learning
- Make a positive contribution to their team, organisation or wider industry
Sector-specific Award Categories for Apprentice of the Year include:
- Agriculture and Environmental
- Business, Administration and Marketing
- Care and Education (Sponsored by Lime Tree Nursery)
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Engineering and Manufacturing (Sponsored by Druck)
- Finance and Accounting (Sponsored by Robert Whowell and Partners LLP)
- Science Manufacturing Technologies
- Sports Coaching
- Professional Hairdressing
- Transport and Logistics (Fork Lift Truck, HGV, and Supply Chain) (Sponsored by Logistics UK)
The Renée Lee-Brown Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Mercedes AMG
This award recognises an apprentice who has shown exceptional potential and development, particularly during the early stages of their apprenticeship journey.
A suitable nominee may:
- Have made remarkable progress in a short period of time
- Demonstrate ambition, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Show clear potential to become a future leader or expert within their field
Employer Mentor of the Year
Sponsored by Toyota Material Handling UK
This award celebrates mentors who go above and beyond to support, encourage and develop apprentices in the workplace.
A suitable nominee may:
- Provide exceptional guidance, coaching and encouragement
- Create opportunities that help apprentices gain confidence and develop new skills
- Make a measurable difference to apprentice success, progression and/or wellbeing
Curriculum and Support Staff of the Year
Sponsored by Loughborough College Group
This award recognises Loughborough College Group colleagues who have made an exceptional contribution to the apprentice experience through teaching, training or learner support.
A suitable nominee may:
- Consistently provide outstanding support to apprentices and employers
- Demonstrate innovation and excellence in teaching, assessment or learner engagement
- Make a significant difference to learner achievement, confidence, progression or welfare
Employer of the Year
Sponsored by Loughborough College Group
This award celebrates organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to apprenticeships and workforce development.
A suitable nominee may:
- Provide exceptional opportunities, support and progression for apprentices
- Demonstrate a long-term commitment to developing skills and talent through apprenticeships
- Create a positive workplace culture where apprentices can thrive and succeed
- Contribute to outstanding achievement and progression within apprenticeships
Top Tips Writing a Strong Nomination
- Include specific examples of achievements and impact
- Provide evidence wherever possible, such as performance improvements, qualifications achieved, business outcomes or feedback received
- Explain what makes the nominee/company stand out from others in a similar role/sector
- Focus on achievements from the last 12 months where possible
- Detailed examples help our judges to make informed decisions so avoid very brief nominations
We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the individuals and organisations who are making a real difference through apprenticeships.
Have a question? Get in touch
Got any questions or just need some advice, our employers team is always here to help.
2027 Apprenticeship Awards supported by:
