Nominations open for Express & Star Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2026

The Express & Star, in partnership with the Ladder for the Black Country, is once again preparing to celebrate the achievements of talented apprentices and their mentors.

The hotly-anticipated Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2026, sponsored by Safran, will take place on November 19 at Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Wolverhampton.

The awards will celebrate the amazing achievements of apprentices, the unfaltering commitment of training providers and the dedication of businesses across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell that champion apprenticeship programs.

There are 14 award categories including special recognition for mentors and ambassadors who go above and beyond to nurture new talent.

The awards can offer a major boost to an apprentice’s career and affirm an employer’s commitment to developing talent and building a skilled workforce.

Kevin Davis - deputy lieutenant for the West Midlands - who is chairman of the Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation, said: "The Black Country Apprenticeship Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the outstanding apprentices, employers, training providers and mentors who are transforming lives and strengthening our regional economy.

“The Ladder Foundation is proud to have championed these awards over many years, working alongside valued partners to celebrate excellence, inspire future talent and demonstrate the life-changing impact that apprenticeships have across the Black Country. We encourage organisations from across the region to put forward their nominations and help recognise those making an exceptional difference."

The awards, held in collaboration with The Ladder for the Black Country, are being supported by headline sponsor Safran, plus Halesowen College, Dudley College of Technology, Performance Through People, and the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.

John England, general manager at Safran in Wolverhampton, said: “As a key employer in Wolverhampton, we’re committed to championing apprenticeships and creating opportunities for local young people to build rewarding, high-value careers. The Black Country has a rich manufacturing and engineering heritage, and we want to continue to play our part in ensuring that remains for generations to come.

“In Wolverhampton, that means investing in people, their skills and maintaining strong community ties, and to be their employer of choice. Apprenticeships are fundamental to that ambition, bringing new talent and fresh ideas into our business and helping develop the engineers, technicians and industry leaders of the future.

“I’m proud that Safran is the headline sponsor of the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards, celebrating these young apprentices, their employers and the dedicated training providers who develop the skills and talent that will shape the region for years to come.”

Nominations are now open across 14 award categories. The deadline for entries is October 1, 2026.

To enter, visit www.bcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk. Don’t miss out on the chance to shine.

For sponsorship enquiries, contact Express & Star senior sales consultant Bal Sanghera on 07852 149749 or email [email protected].

Award categories:

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, who are studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4-9).

Advanced Apprentice of the Year - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, who are studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass).

Higher Apprentice of the Year - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification.

Degree Apprentice of the Year - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to Bachelor's or Masters Degree).

Professional Services Apprentice - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, and work within professional services.

Health and Public Service Apprentice - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, and work within the health or public service sectors.

Construction Apprentice - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, and work within the construction industry.

Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, and work within the engineering or manufacturing sectors.

Technology and Digital Apprentice - Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date, and work within a digital or technology sector.

SME Employer (sponsored by Dudley College) - 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 of the Year (sponsored by headline sponsor Safran) - This award celebrates individuals or organisations that have been outstanding advocates for apprenticeships, raising awareness and championing opportunities for young talent.

Mentor of the Year - 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 (sponsored by headline sponsor Safran) - 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.