The Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2026 brought the sector together for a standout evening of celebration on Thursday 30th April 2026, hosted at New Dock Hall in Leeds.
In partnership with headline sponsor Aptem, this year’s awards welcomed a record-breaking number of attendees, bringing together employers, training providers, universities, schools, colleges and apprenticeship champions from across the UK to recognise outstanding achievement across the sector.
“What an amazing night! Great atmosphere…” – Guests of David Lloyd Clubs
The evening began with a welcome drinks reception before guests took their seats for dinner and the much-anticipated awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield. Known for her sharp wit and brilliant stage presence, Jo kept the audience entertained throughout as winners were revealed across a wide range of categories celebrating the very best in apprenticeships.
A special thank you goes to our Head Judge, Chris Hyde from WorldSkills UK, whose expertise and leadership helped ensure the highest standards across the judging process.
Adding to the atmosphere, this year’s glam bot proved hugely popular, capturing guests in style and quickly becoming one of the highlights of the evening, with attendees keen to share their experience.
From innovative apprenticeship programmes to inspiring individuals and organisations making a real difference, the night showcased the passion, quality and impact driving apprenticeships forward across the UK.
Following the ceremony, celebrations continued into the evening with an unforgettable live performance from Lux Collective. This innovative DJ live duo, combining saxophone and percussionist/DJ, delivered an electric set blending classic dance, house, club and chart hits with Motown, pop, soul, funk and reggae. With their interactive style, light-up saxophone and immersive performance on the dance floor, Lux Collective brought the night to a high-energy close, keeping guests celebrating well into the evening.
The winners of the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2026
Here is a quick rundown of the winners from the evening:
- Apprentice of the Year: Xenia Zimmerman – University of Suffolk / BT Group PLC
- Best Apprenticeship in Automotive/Transport: Go-Ahead London
- Best Apprenticeship in Construction: BAM UK & Ireland
- Best Apprenticeship in Agriculture & Animal Care: MDS Ltd.
- Best College for Apprenticeships, sponsored by Aptem: Leeds College of Building
- Best Apprenticeship in IT & Digital, sponsored by BCS:World Wide Technology
- Best Apprenticeship in Education: University of East London
- Best Apprenticeship in Energy & Utilities: Smart Energy Training
- Best Apprenticeship in Engineering, sponsored by EAL: Network Rail in partnership with Inspiro Learning
- Best Apprenticeship in Financial Services: Davies
- Best Apprenticeship in Hair & Beauty: Kleek Apprenticeships
- Best Apprenticeship in Healthcare and Science: Bournemouth University
- Best Apprenticeship in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism: Capital City College Apprenticeships +
- Best Apprenticeship in Manufacturing: Bournemouth & Poole College
- Best Apprenticeship in Sports & Fitness: David Lloyd Clubs
- Mentor of the Year, sponsored by Centrica: Dan Howard – Lifetime
- Best Apprenticeship in Professional Services, sponsored by Mindful Education: KPMG
- Best Training Provider: Impact Futures Group
- Leadership in Apprenticeships Award, sponsored by Race Equality First: Chris Havard – SP Electricity North West
- Best University for Apprenticeships, sponsored by AstraZeneca: Manchester Metropolitan University
- Excellence in Training Delivery: Lifetime
- Best Employer (Small): Baltic Apprenticeships
- Best Employer (Medium): Quacquarelli Symonds
- Best Employer (Large): Bright Horizons
In addition to the winners, this year we introduced the Highly Commended certificates for the following:
- Best Apprentice in Professional Services: First Intuition
- Best Apprentice in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism: Mitchells & Butlers
- Apprentice of the Year: Jasneet Grover – JP Morgan
- Best Employer (small): MDS Ltd
Big thank you to our partners and sponsors including Aptem as our headline sponsor, BCS, Centrica, EAL, Mindful Education, and Race Equality First.
Want to get involved in the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2027?
Contact James Francis at james.francis@barkerbrooks.co.uk to find out about opportunities to judge, partner with, and sponsor the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2027 and Register Your Interest early!
In addition to this, this year, we’re celebrating our 21st birthday of the Apprenticeship Guide. To be a part of this special edition, which goes to 4,000+ schools and colleges in England, please visit The Apprenticeship Guide or Get in touch.