NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP & SKILLS AWARDS OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
In the Liverpool City Region, there are so many examples of excellence in apprenticeships and skills…
In the Liverpool City Region, there are so many examples of excellence in apprenticeships and skills. What better opportunity to recognise these success stories than through the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, which are now officially open for entries? These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of apprentices, T-Level students, and employers who champion skills development.
Why nominate?
Winning an award benefits everyone involved. For employers, it provides national recognition for their commitment to training, staff development, apprenticeships, and T-levels. It’s a great way to boost their reputation as an organisation that puts people first, which is beneficial to both current and future employees.
Apprentices and T-level students who enter and make the shortlist or win an award will get well-deserved recognition for their achievements and progress. It’s a career-defining opportunity to showcase their skills, dedication, and the positive impact they’ve made within the workplace.
Learning providers can also nominate their apprentices and employers. In addition to highlighting the nominees’ efforts, any individuals or companies shortlisted will, by association, positively reflect on their provider of apprenticeships or other training.
The benefits don’t stop at the award ceremony. Finalists can find themselves being offered exciting opportunities throughout the year, including as part of National Apprenticeship Week and other PR opportunities.
Awards Categories
There are eleven categories of awards:
- The Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award
- The BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award
- The British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award
- The Royal Navy Degree Level Apprentice of the Year Award
- The Gatsby T-Level Student of the Year
- The SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award
- The QA Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award
- The Gatsby T-Level Employer of the Year
- The Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year
The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards follow a competitive process. Firstly, all applications are reviewed and evaluated, identifying the highest-scoring entries for each region. Regional judging panels then review these top entries, where category finalists are selected and announced publicly. Regional winners automatically advance to the national judging phase, where a panel selects one national winner and two highly commended entries in each category. The winners of the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards are revealed during a national celebration event.
The North West regional ceremony is on October 14th, 2025, and the national final ceremony is on November 25th, 2025.
Information webinar
If you’re considering submitting a nomination, there is a free webinar on 28th April from 2-3 pm to help you prepare. Hosted by Amazing Apprenticeships and the Department for Education, the session will cover everything you need to know about the awards, including tips for completing your application, an overview of the different categories, and key dates and deadlines.
Register for the Webinar [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8PZNb6-gQLi4gyN3FkkBOw#/registration]
Celebrating our region
The Liverpool City Region has countless inspiring apprenticeship and skills success stories to be shared. Whether you’re an innovative employer, a high-achieving apprentice or T-level student, this is your chance to help put LCR on the national stage at these awards as well as getting well-deserved recognition for your own commitment. By participating, you’re celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships and skills are making in the region and, as role models, inspiring others to get involved.
How to get started
Entering the awards is simple and free! Register for the webinar and download the application packs for your chosen category at the official National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards website. Make sure to submit your entry before the deadline of 5 p.m. on 23rd May 2025.
