Enter now: Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards returns for sixth year to celebrate future talent

We are proud to once again have the Royal Navy as our headline partner, continuing their valued support of apprenticeships and their 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.

Royal Navy’s commitment to nurturing opportunity

“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.”

With 14 award categories, 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.

Awards which showcase talent are growing every year

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 live awards ceremony, bringing together the apprenticeship community for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

Businesses supporting apprenticeship schemes are invited to submit nominations and take part in this regional celebration.

Together, the awards recognise the positive and lasting impact apprenticeships have on individuals, organisations and the wider economy.

Nominations are open to apprentices themselves, as well as employers, colleges and training providers.

Dedicated categories also recognise employers and mentors, allowing businesses to nominate teams and individuals who go above and beyond to support apprentice development.

Entries must be submitted online via www.pcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk

The winners will be announced at the live event on Thursday, October 22nd, held at Portsmouth Marriott Hotel.

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.

How to enter and to find out more

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. 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.

For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact event manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected]

As National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of skills, opportunity and progression, the Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards provides a platform to celebrate the people driving positive change across the region’s apprenticeship community.

The Apprenticeship 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 Master’s 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.