Wednesday 20 May at The McMillan Theatre
Learner Award Categories
To be eligible for an award, a student must either be currently undertaking an Intermediate, Advanced or Higher level Apprenticeship, T Level Industry Placement, Work Experience Placement, Supported Internship or Supported Traineeship or have completed within the academic year of 2025/26.
Recognising exceptional achievement at entry level or early-stage training, demonstrating commitment, growth, and future potential. Learners must be working towards foundation level or Level 2.
Awarded to a learner who has excelled in a Level 3 or equivalent skills programme, showing strong progress and professional readiness.
Celebrating advanced and higher-level learners who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and high-level industry expertise. Learners must be working towards Level 4 or above.
Recognising learners on technical routes, including T Levels and specialist vocational pathways, who have excelled both academically and in placement.
For learners who have shown outstanding commitment and achievement through work placements or real-world industry experience.
Honouring learners who have overcome barriers to progress through supported employment, inclusive learning pathways, or tailored support programmes.
Employer Award Categories
These awards will celebrate contributions made by employers and the placements they offer. For our Industry Skills Employer of the Year, an award will be given to a small, medium, and large employer.
Small | 1 – 49 employees
Medium | 50 – 249 employees
Large | 250+ employees
Recognising employers who provide exceptional support, development, and opportunities for learners across any training pathway.
Awarded to organisations that champion technical routes such as T Levels and vocational training, offering high-quality placements and collaboration.
Recognising employers who provide impactful work experience or real-world learning that supports skills development and employability.
Celebrating employers who excel in providing accessible opportunities for learners with additional needs or through supported employment pathways.
Awarded to a partner whose long-term collaboration supports workforce development, co-design of provision, and strategic regional impact.
Tips from the Judges
Judges will be looking to examine the commitment, personal development and progression of the individual and will award those who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the workplace and examples of personal achievement and attainment.
Judges also want to see evidence. You should provide information about the nominee’s achievements, dedication, contribution and impact within their role. Please detail achievements, evidence and facts where possible to support your statements such as a quotes from managers, customers and relative statistics.
Judges will be looking for an Employer who can showcase their dedication, influence and that can demonstrate the success that apprenticeships and work placements have brought to their organisation.
Judges also want to see evidence. Please detail achievements, impact within the sector, business and communities where appropriate. You should include evidence and facts where possible to support your statements such as quotes from employees and relative statistics.
Nominations are now closed.
If you have any questions, please contact b2bmarketing@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.