Nominations sought as Express & Star Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025 launch
It’s that time of year again! The Express & Star, in partnership with the Ladder for the Black Country, is seeking nominations for the highly anticipated Black Country Apprenticeship Awards.
The event is set to take place on Thursday, November 20, at the Copthorne Hotel at Merry Hill in Brierley Hill.
The awards ceremony will once again celebrate the incredible achievements of apprentices, the unwavering commitment of training providers and the vital dedication of businesses across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton that champion apprenticeship programs.
With 14 award categories, including special accolades for mentors and ambassadors who go above and beyond in nurturing new talent, the awards offer a significant boost to an apprentice’s career and affirm an employer’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a skilled workforce.
Express & Star editor-in-chief Mark Drew said he was "delighted" to launch the awards scheme again and is looking forward to this year's event - adding: "The awards are a great way to reward all who've successfully completed apprenticeships and supported apprentices."
The awards are proudly held in collaboration with The Ladder for the Black Country, Halesowen College, Dudley College of Technology, Sandwell College, Doocey Group, and the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.
The deadline for nominations is fast approaching on September 16, so don't miss your chance to be recognized!
To enter, go to www.bcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk.
For sponsorship enquiries, contact Express & Star senior sales consultant Bal Sanghera at 07852 149749 or baljinder.sanghera@expressandstar.co.uk.
Award categories:
Intermediate Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 who are studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4-9).
Advanced Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 who are studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass).
Higher Apprentice, sponsored by Doocey Group
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification.
Degree Apprentice, sponsored by West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025, who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to Bachelor's or Masters Degree).
Construction Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within the construction industry.
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice, sponsored by Sandwell Council
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within the engineering or manufacturing sectors.
Health and Public Service Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within the health or public service sectors.
Professional Services Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within professional services.
Technology and Digital Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within a digital or technology sector.
SME Employer, sponsored by Dudley College of Technology
Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
Large Employer, sponsored by Halesowen College
Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador
This award celebrates individuals or organisations that have been outstanding advocates for apprenticeships, raising awareness and championing opportunities for young talent.
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.
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.
