EMPLOYERS: GET YOUR APPRENTICESHIP COMMITMENT RECOGNISED

Across the Liverpool City Region, employers are using apprenticeships to bring new talent into their businesses, develop existing employees and address skills shortages. Behind every successful apprentice are managers, mentors and colleagues investing time and expertise to help them progress.

Much of this work takes place without recognition beyond the organisation itself. Yet there are several national awards and employer rankings offering businesses the chance to showcase what they are achieving.

Entering can strengthen an employer’s reputation, provide valuable publicity and help attract future apprentices. It can also be hugely motivating for apprentices and the people supporting them. Just as importantly, every Liverpool City Region organisation recognised nationally helps shine a light on the positive apprenticeship work taking place across our region.

Local organisations leading the way

Several local employers and learning providers have already shown what can be achieved.

JLR, which operates its major manufacturing plant at Halewood, was recently ranked eighth in the Government and Higherin Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026. Merseyside Police also made the list at number 98.

This was not Merseyside Police’s first national success. In 2025, it placed 55th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and was the only police force included in the ranking.

Liverpool City Region learning providers have also received national recognition. Myerscough College, which has a centre at Croxteth Park, won Outstanding Apprenticeship Programme at the 2026 FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards for its long-established sports turf apprenticeships. St Helens-based TRS Training was highly commended as Specialist Training Provider of the Year.

At the 2025 North West National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, University Hospitals of Liverpool was highly commended in two categories: T Level Employer of the Year and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year.

These are fantastic achievements for our region, but there is room for many more local names to join them.

Which recognition could you pursue?

The Government and Higherin Top Apprenticeship Employers ranking celebrates leading apprenticeship employers in England, with separate tables for the Top 100 and Top 50 SMEs. Recognition is based on factors including apprentice achievement, the range of opportunities available and reviews from apprentices themselves. Entries for 2026 are closed, but employers can register their interest in the 2027 ranking.

The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers is a UK-wide ranking based on apprentice numbers, new starts, diversity and successful completions. Employers must have at least 100 UK employees and ten apprentices. Dates for the 2027 ranking have not yet been announced, but registration for updates is open.

For employers with a strong story to share now, nominations are open for the FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards. Categories cover areas such as employer commitment, social mobility, new programmes, partnerships, learner support and apprenticeship innovation. Nominations close on 30 October 2026, with the winners announced in Liverpool on 2 March 2027.

The Apprenticeship Guide Awards include awards for small, medium and large employers, alongside categories recognising apprenticeship programmes in different industries. Entries for 2027 are opening shortly, and the submission deadline is 18 December 2026.

The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards recognise apprentices and employers as well as T Level students and individuals who have contributed to the extent they can be considered skills champions. Entries for 2026 have now closed, with the North West ceremony taking place on 1 October and the national ceremony on 25 November. However, why not start preparing for next year’s awards by identifying potential entries and gathering evidence for nominations.

You do not have to be a major employer

National recognition is not limited to large organisations running hundreds of apprenticeships. Several awards have dedicated SME categories, while others recognise individual apprentices, mentors, partnerships or a particularly effective programme.

An entry might focus on how apprenticeships have opened opportunities to people from underrepresented backgrounds, helped an employee progress, addressed a difficult skills shortage or introduced fresh ideas into the business. The strongest evidence may already be found in completion figures, progression stories and feedback from apprentices and managers.

Being shortlisted or highly commended can be valuable even without taking home the main award. It gives an organisation an independently recognised achievement to share with employees, customers, schools and potential recruits.

JLR, Merseyside Police, University Hospitals of Liverpool, Myerscough College and TRS Training have all helped put our region’s apprenticeship achievements in the spotlight. It would be fantastic to see more employers from Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton joining their ranks.

Take a look at the different awards and recognition opportunities, choose the one that best fits your story and start gathering the evidence. Great apprenticeship work is already happening across our region; it’s time to make sure people hear about it.