Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2026: Nominations now open

The event celebrates the people powering the region’s skills pipeline, recognising the apprentices, employers and training providers who are helping to shape the workforce of tomorrow.

With 14 award categories, the awards showcase outstanding achievement across the apprenticeship community, from individuals demonstrating excellence and commitment to businesses and training providers investing in skills development and creating long-term career opportunities across the Black Country.

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.

“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 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.”

Going above and beyond to support apprentices

The Black Country Apprenticeship Awards also recognise the people behind the scenes who play a vital role in helping apprentices succeed.

One example is Javin Dacosta, who was nominated by his training provider, The Wolverhampton School of Business, in recognition of the support and guidance he provides to apprentices throughout their programmes.

Javin’s role extends far beyond simply monitoring progress. According to his nomination, he acts as a trusted mentor, advocate, coach and source of encouragement, providing individual support tailored to each apprentice’s learning needs and career aspirations.

He regularly checks in with apprentices not only about their academic progress, but also their wellbeing and workload, helping them balance the demands of employment, study and personal commitments.

What particularly stood out in Javin’s nomination was his personal approach. While supporting apprentices is part of his role, his nominator highlighted the way he puts learners at ease and creates an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help.

Javin is also praised for his ability to break down complex challenges into manageable steps, offering practical advice and encouragement when apprentices are facing assignment deadlines, workplace pressures or personal challenges. Rather than simply focusing on completion, he encourages apprentices to recognise their strengths, work on areas for development and take ownership of their personal and professional growth.

His support has had a tangible impact, with apprentices reporting increased confidence, resilience, stronger academic performance and greater belief in their ability to achieve their career ambitions.

Javin’s nomination demonstrates the type of people the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards are looking to recognise – those who go above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to support apprentices and make a lasting difference to their development and future success.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for the role they play in supporting apprentices?

Whether they are a mentor, employer, training provider or colleague, the awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the people who help apprentices thrive.

Award Categories

All apprentice categories are open to apprentices who were enrolled on their programme for a minimum of 12 months prior to the event date, 19 November 2026. They may have since completed their course but will still qualify to enter. They must live, work or train in the Black Country.

Entries can be completed by the apprentice, employer or training provider, and we encourage you to address the full criteria to showcase your nominee and give the judges a clear understanding of their achievements.

Intermediate Apprentice

Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4-9).

Advanced Apprentice

Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass).

Higher Apprentice

Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification.

Degree Apprentice

Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to Bachelor's or Master's Degree).

Construction Apprentice

Open to apprentices who work within the construction industry.

Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice

Open to apprentices who work within the engineering or manufacturing sectors.

Health and Public Service Apprentice

Open to apprentices who work within the health or public service sectors.

Professional Services Apprentice

Open to apprentices who work within professional services.

Technology and Digital Apprentice

Open to apprentices who 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 - sponsored by Safran

This award celebrates individuals 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.

Entries should be completed by either the apprentice or an individual that has witnessed the impact that the mentor has had on the individual.

Training Provider / Programme- sponsored by 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.

Enter now

The deadline for accepting your entries is October 1.

TO ENTER: Visit bcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk.

For more information or support with your application, please contact [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES:

Contact Express & Star’s Bal Sanghera on 07852 149749 or email [email protected].