Celebrating Portsmouth & Chichester’s apprenticeship champions during National Apprenticeship Week
The search has begun to recognise apprentices, employers and training providers who are shaping the workforce of tomorrow as we launch our annual Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards.
Now in its sixth year, the awards have become a flagship celebration of the people powering the region’s skills pipeline covering the Portsmouth News and Chichester Observer series areas with 14 different categories.
Once again, the Royal Navy is the event’s headline partner, continuing its valued support of apprenticeships and its commitment to developing talent across our communities.
At last year’s event, Commander Sara Balls, on behalf of the Royal Navy, highlighted the importance of championing apprentices and the impact they have locally and nationally: “As the headline sponsor, the Royal Navy is immensely proud to champion these awards, shining a spotlight on the talent, tenacity, and transformative power of apprenticeships in our vibrant communities.
“Apprenticeships are not a shortcut; they're the gold standard for building real-world skills, resilience, and purpose. Our deep roots in Portsmouth and Chichester make this event more than a ceremony – it's a reflection of our shared commitment to nurturing opportunities that strengthen our communities and secure our future.”
The awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievement across the apprenticeship landscape, recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate excellence, commitment and impact. The event brings together apprentices at all stages of their journey, alongside businesses and training providers who are investing in skills development and long-term career opportunities across Portsmouth & Chichester.
Winning an award offers apprentices invaluable recognition, helping to boost confidence, enhance career progression and showcase their achievements to future employers. For businesses and training providers, the awards provide a powerful platform to highlight best practice, celebrate mentoring excellence and demonstrate a commitment to nurturing talent, closing skills gaps and building a skilled workforce for the future.
The awards programme continues to grow year on year, encouraging entries from across the region and celebrating the vital role apprenticeships play in strengthening local industries and communities. Winners will be revealed at a prestigious awards ceremony on Thursday, October 22 held at Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, bringing together the apprenticeship community for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.
Guests are invited to join us from 6.45 pm for a welcome drink, sponsored by The Marriott Hotel, providing an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees before dinner is served and the award ceremony begins.
To be eligible for apprentice award categories, applicants must live, work or train within the region and have been enrolled on their apprenticeship programme for at least 12 months prior to the event date.
Entries may be submitted by the apprentice, employer or training provider and all submissions are assessed against clear judging criteria, and applicants are encouraged to address each directive in full to support a strong and competitive entry.
Entries must be submitted online via www.pcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of September 3.
For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]
Award Categories
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 sponsored by University of Portsmouth - Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification. (equivalent to a foundation degree)
Degree Apprentice - Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to Bachelor's or Masters Degree). The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
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 sponsored by The Royal Navy - 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 - Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
Large Employer - Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador - This award celebrates individuals that have been outstanding advocates for apprenticeships, raising awareness and championing opportunities for young talent. The entry should be completed by either the apprentice or organisation.
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 The Royal Navy - 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.