Time is running out to enter Peterborough Apprenticeship Awards 2026
Individuals, employers and training providers across the region are being urged to submit their entries for the 2026 Peterborough Apprenticeship Awards.
The deadline for nominations for this year’s awards is fast approaching.
Now in its seventh year, the awards have become the region’s prestigious celebrations of apprenticeship success, recognising the talented individuals, forward-thinking employers and dedicated training providers who are helping to develop the workforce of the future.
Entries must be submitted before the closing date, which is July 29, with organisers encouraging businesses and apprentices not to miss the opportunity to gain regional recognition for their achievements.
The awards feature 14 categories, celebrating apprentices at every stage of their journey alongside the employers, mentors and training providers whose commitment to skills development is making a lasting impact.
This year's independent judging panel is almost complete and looking forward to reviewing what promises to be another outstanding selection of nominations.
Judges include:
Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Christopher Walkinshaw DL
Helen Dighton, Human Resources Manager - Paragraf
Andrew Pakes, MP - Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Peterborough
Mark Brear, Director - EML Electrical
The panel is encouraging entrants to share their apprenticeship journeys, achievements and the difference apprenticeships have made to their careers and organisations.
Rachel Nicholls, chief executive of Inspire Education Group, the event sponsor, said: “These awards recognise the strength of local apprenticeship provision and the collaborative partnerships that underpin it.
"At IEG, we focus on employer needs, offering tailored apprenticeship programmes and recruitment support through our assessment centres.
"Together, we help businesses develop skilled workforces while creating clear pathways into great careers.”
Nominations are open to apprentices, employers, colleges and training providers, with dedicated categories recognising outstanding employers and mentors as well as apprentices themselves.
The winners will be announced at the live event on September 24 at The Holiday Inn Peterborough - West.
Guests are invited to join us from 6:45 pm for a welcome drink sponsored by The Holiday Inn, providing an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the award ceremony begins.
Nominations must be submitted online via www.peterboroughapprenticeshipawards.co.uk
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]
Apprentice Ambassador of the Year
This award is being sponsored by IEG.
Last year’s winner of this award was Mark Brear, director of EML Electrical.
His is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and vocational training. Beginning his career as an apprentice himself, Mark established EML in Peterborough in 2017, growing it from a 'man and van' operation to a thriving business serving commercial, industrial, and local authority clients. Driven by a commitment to address the UK skills shortage, he has made the development of young talent central to his company’s mission. Mark has invested in bespoke apprenticeship programs, on-site training facilities, and strong partnerships with local colleges to ensure apprentices receive outstanding support and career development. He actively promotes apprenticeships through industry networks and local events, helping other businesses recognise the value of investing in future engineers. Mark’s leadership and dedication have not only transformed EML but have also made a lasting impact on the wider engineering community.
The 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: 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: sponsored by Clegg Construction. Open to apprentices who work within the construction industry.
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice: sponsored by Baker Perkins a Brand of Coperion. 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: sponsored by Allison Homes. Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador: sponsored by Inspire Education Group. 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: 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.