Celebrate South Yorkshire’s apprenticeship champions with National Apprenticeship Week
It’s time to celebrate today’s apprentices who are tomorrow’s high flyers and visionaries.
Now in its eighth year, the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards has become a flagship celebration of the people powering the region’s skills pipeline - recognising apprentices, employers and training providers who are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
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 South Yorkshire.
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.
Sharon Smith, director of skills and partnerships at Sheffield Hallam University, which sponsors of the Degree Apprentice of the Year Award, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to be working on degree apprenticeships as their importance has recently been acknowledged by the government for their contribution to meeting higher technical skills needs.
“Our programmes align with national policy and the priority sectors defined by the Industrial Strategy and are informed by our extensive network of employer and civic stakeholder partners, and we are building real momentum both regionally and nationally. Degree apprenticeships provide major benefits to public services, businesses of all sizes, and most importantly the apprentices.”
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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. Entries must be submitted online via www.syapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 8 pm on Wednesday, March 11.
The winners will be announced at the live event on Thursday, May 21st, held at Sheffield United Football Club. Guests are invited to join us from 6:45 pm for a welcome drink sponsored by Sheffield United FC, providing an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the award ceremony begins.
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]
As National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of skills, opportunity and progression, the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards provides a platform to celebrate the people driving positive change across the region’s apprenticeship community.
Award Categories
Intermediate Apprentice
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
Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification. (equivalent to a foundation degree)
Degree Apprentice - Sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University
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
Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
Large Employer
Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador - Sponsored by Barnsley College
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 - Sponsored by Sheffield Forgemasters
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.