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Apprentice Employer of the Year Award

Herefordshire Skills Apprenticeship Awards 2027 logoHerefordshire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2027 award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate employers' commitment to the development of their staff through apprenticeships.

Eligibility criteria

Any business registered or trading in Herefordshire who has employed an apprentice who has completed their apprenticeship programme since July 2025 can enter the awards.

What the entry should demonstrate

The winning employer will demonstrate commitment to excellence in skills development through high-quality training, support and development opportunities that enables their apprentices to thrive and achieve their potential.

Their investment in apprenticeships will contribute to long-term business success, workforce sustainability and the wider growth of skills within Herefordshire.

What the judges are looking for

Judges are looking for employers that deliver excellence in apprenticeships through:

  • Effective partnership working with their training provider/s
  • Providing meaningful development opportunities to support apprenticeship achievement
  • Enabling apprentices to develop beyond their current role
  • Identifying and supporting opportunities for apprentices to progress
  • Business impact
  • A supportive and inclusive working environment
  • Championing apprenticeships within the organisation and wider community

The strongest entries will provide clear examples and evidence of the impact apprenticeships have had on both the apprentices and the organisation, demonstrating a genuine commitment to developing talent and creating opportunities for future success.

Award categories

Apprentice Employer of the Year Micro (1-9 FTE)

For employers with one to nine FTE employees.

Apprentice Employer of the Year Small (10-49 FTE)

For employers with 10 to 49 FTE employees.

Apprentice Employer of the Year Large (50+ FTE)

For employers with 50 or more FTE employees.

We are excited to announce two more awards for 2027:

New Apprenticeship Employer of the Year

Awarded to an organisation that has started employing apprentices in the last two years (from July 2025).

Future Skills Apprenticeship Award

Awarded to an organisation who has actively championed and delivered high levels of apprenticeship achievement in priority/future emerging sectors. Recognising achievements in:

  • Digital
  • Defence and cyber security
  • Advanced manufacturing and engineering
  • Green technologies
  • Creative industries
  • Health innovation

Nominations

Nominations will open shortly and will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 3 November 2026 (applications received after this deadline will not be accepted).