Just over two weeks left to enter the Express & Star Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025

Organised by the Express & Star in partnership with the Ladder Foundation, the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025 are now in their fourth year.

For more than 10 years, the Ladder Foundation has championed the creation of 10,000-plus apprentices through awareness campaigns, regional awards, and the development of a dedicated school and skills centre.

This year’s programme comprises 14 categories recognising excellence across the region’s thriving apprenticeship network. 

In 2024, more than 250 apprentices, training providers and employers joined us for an inspiring celebration of achievement and impact.

Has your apprentice, organisation, or training programme achieved something outstanding? Now is your chance to shine a light on that success. 

Principal and chief executive Jacquie Carman, from Halesowen College - sponsors of the Large Employer Award, said: “Halesowen College continues to champion apprenticeships as an invaluable pathway for learners to gain hands-on experience, practical knowledge and the qualifications needed to succeed in their careers. 

“As a proud sponsor of the Large Employer category we aim to celebrate the incredible achievements of businesses that are investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.”

We want to hear your story! Entries can be submitted by apprentices themselves, their employers, colleges, training providers. 

With dedicated categories for employers and mentors, there’s also a chance to celebrate the people and organisations supporting the apprenticeship journey.

Winners will be announced at an awards dinner on Thursday November 20 at the Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill, in Dudley borough.

Submit your nomination by 10am on September 23 online at www.bcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk

Don't miss out, and get involved today.

Businesses wanting to find out more about sponsorship opportunities can contact our event manager Haroldine Lockwood by emailing haroldine.lockwood@nationalworld.com.

We look forward to celebrating with you this November!

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.