The awards, now in their fifteenth year, are open for nominations and entries across ten categories to recognise apprentices, employers, and those who are positive champions for the apprenticeship programme.

Employers and apprentices from all sectors are encouraged to enter the awards. Entrants have the opportunity to be crowned a regional winner at nine awards ceremonies across the country. From the regional champions, a national judging panel will select the overall National Apprenticeship Award winners, to be celebrated at a prestigious ceremony on 28th November 2018. 

The application process is straightforward. Entry to the awards is free and is done online at appawards.co.uk. To help with entries, guidance documents for employers and apprentices are available to download.

The deadline for entries is 25th May 2018.

Paddy Patterson, Apprenticeships Manager, Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP), said: “With just under 2,000 people starting an apprenticeship each year across Buckinghamshire and around 10% of all local businesses taking on apprentices, we know we have many brilliant individuals and employers benefitting from the programme. There is increasing interest and confidence in apprenticeships locally as an accessible and effective way to develop skills and talent.  Awards like these are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate apprenticeship excellence and achievement.”

There are three Employer of the Year categories (SME, Large, Macro) and a Recruitment Excellence Award open to apprentice employers from all sectors.

Recognising individual successes, there are three Apprentice of the Year categories (Intermediate, Advanced, Higher/Degree level) as well as a Rising Star, Recognition Award, and Apprenticeship Champion of the Year Award.

For a full list of winners from 2017, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/national-apprenticeship-awards-2017.