The prestigious Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2024 lit up the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Friday night, drawing a distinguished crowd in a black-tie setting to celebrate the remarkable achievements within the apprenticeship sector.
The evening’s festivities
The event commenced at 7pm with a welcoming drinks reception, followed by dinner. The delicious three-course meal started with confit duck leg and chicken terrine, followed by braised daube of British beef, and concluded with a caramelised white chocolate and citrus tart. Yum!
Then, what the audience had all been waiting for: the awards ceremony began, hosted by the ever-engaging Lucy Porter, whose sharp wit and warmth added a unique charm to the proceedings. The awards recognised a wide range of categories, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of apprenticeship programs in the UK.
Notable winners included Euan Wilcox from IBM UK, who took home the Apprentice of the Year award, and SURE Solutions, which was celebrated for being the Best Employer (Small). Other highlights included the Royal Opera House receiving the accolade for Best Apprenticeship in Creative Industries and the University of Westminster being named the Best in Healthcare.
The winners of the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2024
Here is a quick rundown of the winners from the evening:
- Apprentice of the Year: Euan Wilcox from IBM UK.
- Best Apprenticeship in Automotive/Transport: Go-Ahead London’s Apprenticeship Training Programme
- Best Apprenticeship in Construction: Bagnalls’ Level 2 Painting & Decorating apprenticeship
- Best Apprenticeship in Creative Industries: Royal Opera House
- Best Apprenticeship in Education: Realise’s Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship
- Best Apprenticeship in Energy & Utilities: Centrica’s Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer apprenticeship
- Best Apprenticeship in Engineering/Manufacturing: Ontic’s Levels 3 & 4 Engineering Technician apprenticeships
- Best Apprenticeship in Financial Services: Aon’s School Leaver Programme
- Best Apprenticeship in Hair & Beauty: Kleek Apprenticeships
- Best Apprenticeship in Healthcare: University of Westminster’s Level 6 Healthcare Science Practitioner apprenticeship
In partnership with Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust - Best Apprenticeship in Hospitality & Tourism: British Airways’ Level 3 Business Professional Apprenticeship
- Best Apprenticeship in IT: Softcat’s Level 3 IT Technical Salesperson apprenticeship
Sponsored by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT - Best Apprenticeship in Professional Services: Weightmans’ Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship
- Best Apprenticeship in Public Services: Police Education Consortium’s Level 6 Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
- Best Apprenticeship in Retail: Amazon
- Best Training Provider: HIT Training
- Leadership in Apprenticeships Award: Craig Shaw from SURE Solutions
- Best University for Apprenticeships: London South Bank University
- Excellence in Training Delivery: Firebrand Training
- Mentor of the Year: Craig Murphy from Baltic Apprenticeships
- Best Employer (Small): SURE Solutions
- Best Employer (Medium): Royal Shakespeare Company
- Best Employer (Large): Mitchells & Butlers
Sponsored by Institute of Student Employers
How were the categories judged?
The awards were judged by an independent panel of experts from across the apprenticeship sectors, including representatives from UCAS, NHS England, AELP, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and many more. Their rigorous and fair evaluation process ensured that the awards were a true testament to excellence in the field.
The Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2024 not only celebrated the successes of individuals and organizations but also underscored the significant impact of apprenticeships in shaping skilled professionals across various industries.
As we look forward to next year, the bar is set even higher, promising another exciting chapter in the story of apprenticeship excellence in the UK! See you then!
Want to get involved in the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2025?
Contact Ian Cotton at ian.cotton@barkerbrooks.co.uk to find out about opportunities to judge, partner with, and sponsor the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2025. There are also opportunities to find out more about our printed annual guide which goes to 4,000 schools and colleges in England – find out more. Get in touch.
