Apprentice of the Year Award

Eligibility criteria

The apprentice must live in Herefordshire and must have completed and achieved their apprenticeship within the last 12 months (since 1 July 2025).

What the entry should demonstrate

Applications can be completed by either the individual, the employer, or apprenticeship training provider on their behalf and should include:

Details of the apprenticeship that has been completed
Provide evidence of the training either in-house or with an external training provider
Demonstrate commitment to working with an employer and studying towards achieving the apprenticeship
Entries should include clear examples and evidence of outstanding achievement through the quality of work carried out and impact, such as quotes from customers and staff, statistics and performance reviews

What the judges are looking for

Judges are looking for apprentices who can clearly demonstrate the positive difference they have made to their organisation, as well as the personal and professional growth they have achieved through their apprenticeship.

Successful nominees will provide compelling evidence of how they have exceeded expectations and made a measurable impact through their work, attitude and achievements.

Judges will be evaluating the following:

Commitment to learning, personal development and progression of the individual apprentice
How the apprentice has made a significant contribution to their workplace. This could include examples of how you/they may have introduced a new idea or initiative that has impacted on the organisation, improved procedures or systems, enhancing customer service or made an important contribution to the development of a product or special project
Application of skills and knowledge showcasing a high level of competence, professionalism and determination to succeed
What the apprentice has achieved over and above the requirements of their apprenticeship programme or job role
Nominees should be able to provide evidence of outstanding achievement and impact through the quality of work carried out and how this benefits people, organisations or businesses
How the nominee has shown resilience in adapting and overcoming challenges that they may have incurred as part of their apprenticeship journey
How they have acted as a role model, supported colleagues, inspired peers, championed apprenticeships or contributed positively to workplace culture

Award categories

Apprentice of the Year - intermediate level

For an outstanding apprentice who achieved a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4–9). Apprentices should have completed their apprenticeship after July 2025.

Apprentice of the Year - advanced level

For an outstanding apprentice who has achieved a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass). Apprentices should have completed their apprenticeships after July 2025.

Apprentice of the Year - higher level

For an outstanding apprentice who is currently studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification. Apprentices should have completed an apprenticeship after July 2025.

Apprentice of the Year - degree level

For an outstanding apprentice who has completed a level 6 or above qualification. Apprentices should have completed their apprenticeship after July 2025.

Apprentice Impact Award

The judging panel will select the Apprentice Impact Award winner from all submitted applications.

This award recognises an apprentice who has gone above and beyond in their role, demonstrating exceptional commitment, initiative and achievement while making a significant positive impact within their workplace, team, customer service or wider community. This could include delivering measurable improvements through a project, innovation or business improvement.

If you would like yourself or your nominee to be considered for this award, please ensure the application clearly highlights the difference they have made, including examples of achievements, contributions and measurable impact.

Inspirational Apprentice of the Year

The judging panel will select the Inspirational Apprentice of the Year from all apprentice category applications.

This award recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional determination, resilience and commitment in overcoming challenges or barriers to achieve success in their apprenticeship.

Whether facing personal, educational, workplace, health-related or other obstacles, nominees will have shown perseverance, a positive attitude and a strong dedication to achieving their goals. Through their actions, achievements and approach to overcoming adversity, they will have inspired colleagues, peers and/or future apprentices.

If you or your nominee would like to be considered for this award, please ensure the application includes clear examples of the challenges faced, how they were overcome, and the impact this has had on their apprenticeship journey and those around them.