Apprenticeship Awards

Apprenticeships are a huge part of Blackpool and The Fylde College’s technical and professional provision, allowing people to develop their career, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

For employers, apprenticeships provide a committed and highly skilled workforce.

Our Apprenticeship Awards recognise the outstanding achievement of apprentices and employers alike as well as providing an excellent opportunity to celebrate their very real contribution to the nation’s upskilling and economic prosperity.

About the ceremony

The Apprenticeship Awards takes place virtually at 4pm on Thursday 8th February 2024, during National Apprenticeship Week.

Though virtual, the event promises to be every bit as enjoyable as attending in person, the main difference being you won’t need to find somewhere to park! We are planning a real showstopper when employers and apprentices will have their moment to shine.

Prior to the event, attendees can look forward to receiving a selection of treats and surprises to make sure that the Awards go off with a bang.

This exciting event gets underway with an introduction from the Principal and Chief Executive, Alun Francis.

The Awards

We will be presenting awards across the following 8 categories:

1. Intermediate Apprentice of the Year    Nominate now   

2. Advanced Apprentice of the Year    Nominate now   

3. Higher Apprentice of the Year    Nominate now   

4. Degree Apprentice of the Year    Nominate now   

These Awards celebrate apprentices' outstanding contributions to their workplace and exceptional progress in both their skills development and studies.


The nomination criteria:

  • Examples of outstanding contributions that the apprentice has made to their employer
  • Commitment by the apprentice to their own personal development and progression
  • A clear association between knowledge and skills development and impact on the business
  • Demonstration of independent and/or innovative learning

5. Rising Star Award    Nominate now   

The Rising Star Award is given to an apprentice whose outstanding performance has led to them embarking upon a clear progression pathway.


The nomination criteria:

  • Successful progression from one apprenticeship level to another and/or a promotion
  • Examples of achievement that led to the progression
  • How the progression impacted on both the apprentice's career and the business

6. Best Innovation/Impact    Nominate now   

The Best Innovation/Impact Award recognises an apprentice's unique contribution to the workplace and the ensuing positive impact upon the business.


The nomination criteria:

  • The process that delivered the innovation/impact (including how the apprentice contributed, the knowledge and skills developed and how the innovation met an identified need)
  • Analysis of the impact upon the business

7. Employer of the Year – SME organisation    Nominate now   

8. Employer of the Year - Large organisation    Nominate now   

The Awards are given to organisations that have a strong commitment to employing, nurturing and supporting apprentices and currently have an apprentice or apprentices working for them.


The nomination criteria:

  • Positive contribution to the apprentice experience
  • Examples of best practice and support in place to help the development of apprentices within the workplace
  • A clear association between knowledge and skills development and impact for the business
  • Examples of engagement that clearly identify the employer's commitment

Nominations


  • Who can nominate?
    Employers are eligible to nominate an apprentice in categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

    In order to be nominated, apprentices must have completed their apprenticeship between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023.

    Your apprentice(s) are also eligible to nominate their employer in categories 7 and 8.


  • How to make a nomination

    Nominate      by Sunday 14th January 2024.

    Alternatively, you can wait for your B&FC Skills Coach to get in touch to go through the process with you.

How will I attend the event?


As the event approaches, we will send you your Apprenticeship Awards invitation, which will contain a link to the event that you can simply click onto to join on the day.

Key dates


  • Sunday 14th January 2024 : Closing date for receipt of nominations from apprentices and employers
  • w/c Monday 15th January 2024 : Invitations sent out to attendees
  • Thursday 8th February 2023 : Virtual Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony – join from 4pm

Contact us

For information and assistance relating to any aspect of the Awards, please contact:
B&FC for Business at Blackpool and The Fylde College, business@blackpool.ac.uk
Or call T 01253 504 343.