Time to celebrate West Yorkshire’s apprenticeship champions as prestigious annual awards night returns

As National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of skills, opportunity and progression, the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards provides a platform to celebrate the people driving positive change across the region’s apprenticeship community.

With 14 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 West 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.

Speaking about their support for the event, Kate Hawthorn, director of consultant talent at FDM Group, said: “FDM Group is proud to sponsor the Mentor of the Year Award.

“This award recognises the essential role that mentors play in the apprenticeship experience – the unsung heroes who provide invaluable guidance and support throughout, picking up the issues and enabling apprentices to become more confident and skilled as they progress.

“We look forward to celebrating their success at the awards in May.’’

2025 Mentor of the Year Award winner, Ian Brewer, of Bradford and District Credit Union, was nominated by his mentee, Janka Brabcova, for his exceptional mentorship.

Ian was recognised for the lasting impact of his tailored guidance and supportive approach. As a marketing apprentice, Janka experienced firsthand how he aligned his advice to individual goals while creating an encouraging learning environment.

Ian consistently went above and beyond, connecting apprentices with industry experts and opening up valuable development opportunities. His proactive mentorship contributed to successful marketing campaigns, boosted confidence across the team and supported career progression.

Former apprentices shared how his empathetic and strategic coaching helped them grow, with examples including support that led to promotion and strengthened communication skills.

Dean Coleman-Walker, director of Appris, the event’s trophy sponsor, said: “Apprentices in engineering and manufacturing are crucial to regional and UK productivity and sustainability.

“At Appris, we celebrate their dedication, passion and commitment - not only in their studies but as ambassadors who inspire others.

“We proudly support this event, recognising outstanding talent and organisations investing in the next generation workforce.”

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 14, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, bringing the apprenticeship community together for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

Guests are invited to arrive from 6.45pm for a welcome drink sponsored by Cedar Court Hotel, providing an opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the awards 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.wyapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 8pm on Wednesday, March 11.

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 more 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 an 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

Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to a 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 - Sponsored by Kirklees College

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 more than 250 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme

Apprentice Ambassador - Sponsored by Yorkshire Water

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 FDM Group

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

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.