PUT LIVERPOOL CITY REGION SKILLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: NOMINATE NOW FOR 2026 ATA AWARDS

The Liverpool City Region has always been a place of ambition, creativity and opportunity. That spirit is no better reflected than in the training organisations, dedicated professionals and employers who drive skills development across the region. Right now, there’s a chance for us to put all that work and effort on a national stage with the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards (ATA) 2026.

The ATA Awards 2026 are now open for nominations, with the awards ceremony itself returning to Liverpool in March for the second consecutive year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our region’s employers and training providers to take centre stage.

Why nominations matter

Every person who successfully completes an apprenticeship or other training programme has had the support of people and organisations to train, encourage, build confidence and create pathways for them into the future. 

These awards recognise those people and organisations, celebrating achievement and innovation, showcasing the best of skills delivery across the country. By nominating, you’re helping tell the wider story of how the Liverpool City Region is investing in talent, driving growth and making training accessible to everyone.

Recognition also matters beyond the awards ceremony. If you are a training provider or an employer, being shortlisted or winning can raise the profile of your organisation, attract new learners and partners, and demonstrate to stakeholders and communities that you are making a real difference.

More categories for 2026

The awards ceremony takes place on 3rd March 2026 as part of the Apprenticeships & Training Conference, the UK’s leading event for skills and workforce development.

This year brings the highest number of categories yet: a total of 20, offering more opportunities for recognition. Categories recognise excellence across innovation, inclusion, sustainability, collaboration, and learner support, as well as spotlighting both large and small employers.

Categories 

There are 20 awards that can be grouped into broad themes:

• Innovation & technology: shining a light on creativity and new approaches with awards for Innovation in Training Delivery, Best Use of Technology, Sustainability in Training & Apprenticeships and Best New Apprenticeship Programme.

• People & inclusion: celebrating organisations, individuals and initiatives that make training accessible and life-changing with awards for Diversity and Inclusion, Social Mobility, Excellence in Learner Support, Outstanding Contribution and the Special Recognition Award.

• Employer excellence: The Employer Commitment to Training, SME Employer of the Year, Employer Champion of the Year, Best Partnership in Training, and Outstanding Contribution to Training awards highlight the businesses investing in people and setting the standard for others.
  
• Training provider excellence: With awards for Training Provider of the Year, Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, Specialist Provider of the Year, Best Workplace Readiness Scheme, Outstanding Apprenticeship Programme, and Excellence in English and Maths Development, these categories showcase the breadth of quality provision in the sector.

National stage

With the awards returning to Liverpool for the second year running, there’s no denying the national spotlight is firmly on our region.

The Liverpool City Region has a proud history of innovation and partnership in skills and training. Across every sector, from health and logistics to digital, science and the green economy, regional employers and training providers are shaping futures and driving growth. The awards are our chance to celebrate that on a national stage. 

This isn’t just about recognition for individuals and businesses, but demonstrating how our region prioritises skills. 

Just one month left

There’s still time to make a nomination, but don’t wait too long. The closing date is 7th November 2025, which means there’s just one month left to put your organisation, programme, or people forward. The finalists will be announced on 5th December 2025, ahead of the awards evening on 3rd March 2026.

Submitting a nomination doesn’t have to be daunting. Judges are looking for real stories of impact, such as a programme that changed lives, a partnership that broke new ground, or an employer who went the extra mile.

How to nominate

To submit a nomination, visit the Apprenticeship & Training Awards website