Celebrate Lancashire’s apprenticeship champions - enter the Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards 2026

Now in its fourth year, Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards has become a flagship of recognising apprentices, employers and training providers who are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Outstanding achievement

With 14 award categories, the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievement across the apprenticeship landscape, recognising 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 who are investing in skills development and long-term career opportunities across Lancashire.

Speaking about their support for the awards, Sara Gaskell, Manager of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, sponsor of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Award, said: “The Lancashire Skills Hub is proud to sponsor the Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards once again. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for businesses to invest in fresh talent and upskill their existing workforce—bringing new skills and innovation into organisations. We are keen supporters of apprenticeships and offer impartial support through the Lancashire Skills Pledge. The Skills Pledge provides businesses with a simple front door to impartial apprenticeship advice and information on the funded skills initiatives available, helping Lancashire businesses thrive.”

Winning an award offers apprentices invaluable recognition, helping to boost confidence, enhance career progression and showcase 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.

The awards programme continues to grow year on year, encouraging entries from across the region and celebrating the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening local industries and communities. Winners will be revealed at a prestigious live awards ceremony, bringing together the apprenticeship community for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

Businesses supporting apprenticeship schemes are invited to submit nominations and take part in this regional celebration. Together, the awards recognise the positive and 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.

How to enter

Entries must be submitted online via www.lancashireapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 8pm on Wednesday, March 11. The winners will be announced at the live event on Thursday, May 7, held at Blackpool Football Club.

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.