Each year, the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 spotlight the incredible achievements of apprentices, employers, and training providers across England. Think of these awards as a national stage where dedication and innovation are recognised and rewarded.
The 2025 Department for Education’s awards promise to be bigger than ever, showcasing the best of British skills and talent development. With entries open now and the deadline fast approaching—the 23rd of May 2025 at 5 pm—let’s take a closer look at why these awards matter, who can enter, and what you could gain from taking part.
Celebrating Apprenticeships and Skills Across England
The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 recognise excellence across every corner of the skills and apprenticeship landscape. They offer a platform for individuals to gain well-deserved recognition and for organisations to demonstrate the tangible results of their investment in talent.
What sets these awards apart is their reach and inclusivity. From apprentices just starting out to those completing higher-level qualifications, from small local businesses to national corporations, the awards offer recognition at every level. That’s why they’ve become a flagship moment in England’s apprenticeship awards calendar—not just a one-off event, but part of a wider commitment to developing and celebrating skills.
This year’s programme aligns closely with national ambitions around vocational education recognition and the continued drive for UK skills excellence in an increasingly competitive global economy.
A Chance to Shine: What the Awards Mean for You
For apprentices, especially those currently in or recently completing apprenticeships, these awards provide national-level recognition for your efforts. Past winners have gone on to speak at conferences, become ambassadors, and even land new job opportunities based on their exposure through the awards. For many, it’s a springboard into bigger things.
Employers stand to gain as well. Being shortlisted or winning demonstrates a genuine commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the wider economy through apprenticeships. It sends a powerful message to potential recruits and partners while simultaneously strengthening a company’s public image. That’s why the awards have become a key moment in the national skills development awards landscape.
Meanwhile, training providers have the chance to showcase the real-world impact of their programmes. The best applications often include compelling success stories about learners who’ve gone on to achieve remarkable things. This only goes to drive home the case for skills-based education awards as a critical part of our education system.
Award Categories
The Apprenticeship and Skills Awards are divided into two main sections: Direct Entry Categories and Nomination Categories, recognising outstanding individuals and employers in apprenticeships and T Level programmes across England.
Direct Entry Categories
Apprentice of the Year
This set of awards is open to those currently undertaking an apprenticeship, or who completed the relevant level since 1 May 2024. Awards are based on apprenticeship levels:
- The Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award (Level 2)
- The BAE Systems Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award (Level 3)
- The British Army Higher Apprentice of the Year Award (Level 4 or 5)
- The Royal Navy Degree Level Apprentice of the Year Award (Level 6 or higher)
T Level Student of the Year
For students currently undertaking a T Level qualification or who began their course on or after 31 July 2022:
- The Gatsby T Level Student of the Year Award
Employer of the Year
Recognising employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment and results through apprenticeship programmes:
- The SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award (For organisations with 1 to 249 employees)
- The QA Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award (For organisations with 250+ employees)
T Level Employer of the Year
For employers making a strong impact through T Level placements:
- The Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year Award
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
This award recognises an employer actively improving access, representation, and outcomes through apprenticeships and/or T Levels:
- The Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year Award
Nomination Categories
Rising Star of the Year
This award celebrates apprentices who have shown significant promise and progress in their careers.
Nominations are submitted by the apprentice’s employer.
- The Lloyds Banking Group Rising Star of the Year Award
Skills Champion of the Year
This award honours individuals who go above and beyond to advocate for apprenticeships and skills development.
Nominations are made by a colleague or professional contact.
- The Royal Air Force Skills Champion of the Year Award
Who Can Apply?
Anyone involved in apprenticeships in England can apply. The awards are open to individuals currently undertaking an apprenticeship, those who have recently completed one, and employers or training providers actively delivering apprenticeship opportunities.
You don’t need to wait for someone to nominate you. Applications are open and free to submit, and you can complete the process directly on the official awards website:
👉 https://appawards.co.uk/
The deadline for entries is 5 pm on the 23rd of May, 2025, so now’s the time to start preparing.
Submissions from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are only eligible if the apprenticeship has taken place in England.
Making a Strong Application
If you’re planning to enter, it’s important to tell your story clearly and confidently. Successful entries tend to focus on the impact of the work or journey. What challenges did you overcome? What did you learn? How did you help others? Did your project deliver real-world results?
Try to include measurable outcomes, positive feedback, and specific examples to illustrate your points. For employers, referencing improved retention, increased diversity, or better performance as a result of your apprenticeship programme can be very compelling. For apprentices, describing moments of growth and independence can bring your application to life.
This year’s awards are expected to draw strong entries from across the country, particularly with the recent government announcement of apprenticeship reforms.
What Happens Next?
Once the submission window closes, a judging panel will review entries and announce regional finalists. These finalists will attend regional ceremonies over the summer, and winners from each region will then progress to the national final, scheduled for later in 2025.
The national event will gather finalists, training providers, government representatives, and sector leaders in what is expected to be a highlight of the skills excellence awards UK calendar. It’s not only a celebration but also a chance to network, share best practice, and raise your profile.
Previous national winners have found the exposure invaluable. Many go on to feature in apprenticeship campaigns, participate in mentoring, and receive invitations to speak at events or contribute to policy consultations.
Why Recognition Matters
Being recognised by the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 means more than just a trophy. It signals to others that you or your organisation are committed to excellence, progress, innovation, and real-world impact.
For apprentices, this can open doors to new career paths. For employers, it enhances recruitment and retention. And for training providers, it strengthens your brand and credibility within a competitive sector.
What’s more, your success can serve as inspiration to others considering apprenticeship routes. We need more visible, relatable success stories, especially at a time when apprenticeship success in England is key to economic growth and social mobility.
Final Thoughts
The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 are a celebration of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Whether you’re just starting your career, supporting others to grow, or leading strategic change in skills development, these awards are for you.
So don’t wait. Submit your application before 5 pm on the 23rd of May 2025, and join a growing community of individuals and organisations helping shape the future of UK skills.
Apply now at 👉 https://appawards.co.uk/
Are you looking for the latest apprenticeship opportunities? Check out the Employing an Apprentice jobs board today.
