South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards: do you know a shining star you can nominate?
Time is running out to nominate South Yorkshire’s apprenticeship champions – read on to find out how to get involved.
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards continues to stand as a leading celebration of the individuals and organisations driving the region’s skills agenda – honouring apprentices, employers and training providers who are playing a vital role in developing the workforce of the future.
Don’t miss your chance to nominate as the deadline of 11 March is fast approaching.
Submit your entries online at www.syapprenticeshipawards.co.uk
Highlighting fantastic achievements
With 14 award categories, the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievement across the apprenticeship landscape, highlighting 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 investing in skills development and long-term career opportunities across South Yorkshire.
Winning an award offers apprentices invaluable recognition, boosting confidence, enhancing career progression, and showcasing 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.
We are proud to partner with Roundabout this year as our Charity Partner. Roundabout is South Yorkshire’s youth homelessness charity, supporting young people aged 13–25 who are homeless or at risk. Through emergency accommodation, tailored support, life skills training, and long-term housing solutions, the charity helps over 500 young people daily to build independence and break the cycle of homelessness.
Submit your nominations today
Don’t miss the chance to submit your nominations! Last year, Stacey Mullee, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals was recognised as the winner of the Health & Public Service Award.
Stacey is a dedicated and proactive team member throughout her apprenticeship, consistently seeking growth and taking on additional responsibilities. She has made significant contributions to tobacco dependency support in palliative care, organized staff engagement initiatives, and helped evaluate nursing protocols, all improving service delivery and patient outcomes.
Her strong organisational skills and growing confidence, particularly when presenting to medical professionals, reflect her evolving understanding of healthcare operations and her commitment to excellence despite personal challenges.
Entries welcome from across the region
The awards programme continues to expand, welcoming entries from across the region and celebrating the crucial role apprenticeships play in supporting local industries and communities.
Winners will be announced at a prestigious live ceremony on Thursday, May 21, held at Sheffield United Football Club, bringing the apprenticeship community together for an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition. 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.
Businesses and training providers supporting apprenticeships are encouraged to submit nominations and take part in this regional showcase, highlighting the 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.
How to nominate someone
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
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 - Sponsored by Yorkshire Water
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.