Could you be an award winner?

The AAC Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements and innovations of employers and providers who are committed to apprenticeships.

Here’s an overview of the categories and three reasons why your organisation should enter.

Award categories

Apprentice Employer of the Year

This award acknowledges organisations that have shown outstanding commitment to apprenticeships within their workforce. Regardless of the sector or size of the company, employers who have successfully implemented apprenticeships and provided diverse opportunities to apprentices are eligible for this recognition. By showcasing your organisation’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth, you can inspire others to follow suit.

Apprenticeship Champion of the Year

Individuals who have made a remarkable impact on the development and promotion of apprenticeships are celebrated through this award. Whether they have contributed locally or nationally, from a subject-specific or sector-wide perspective, these champions have gone above and beyond their ordinary duties. By highlighting the efforts of such individuals, the AAC Apprenticeship Awards encourage others to strive for excellence in their own roles.

Apprenticeship Provider of the Year

This award pays tribute to the outstanding work of a single apprenticeship provider. Irrespective of their type, apprenticeship providers in the UK can demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality programs with positive outcomes. Successful applicants will showcase their dedication to widening participation and their ability to go above and beyond to support both apprentices and employers. This recognition not only enhances the provider’s reputation but also inspires others to deliver exceptional apprenticeship experiences.

Legal, Finance & Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year

These awards recognise the excellent work of a provider in this specific sector. Providers will need to show that they deliver high-quality apprenticeships and go the extra mile for their apprentices. They will also need to show how they promote apprenticeships in this sector and support wider participation. The Awards recognise activity up to the end of July 2023.

Apprenticeship Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Provider Recognition Award

This award recognises apprentice providers who have made a remarkable effort to increase the diversity and inclusivity of their apprentices and their organisation’s workforce. This award focuses on those organisations that can prove a commitment to ensuring fairness and opportunity for everyone. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination based on any protected characteristics of an individual or a group of individuals.

The Widening Participation Recognition Award

This award recognises the outstanding activity of a provider or employer in widening participation with their apprenticeship offer. Organisations must demonstrate how they have successfully led a campaign to fully embrace apprenticeships and recruit apprentices from different backgrounds and circumstances, such as long-term unemployed, ethnic minorities, non-native English speakers, ex-offenders, special educational needs, gender or disabilities.

3 benefits of entering the AAC Apprenticeship Awards

1. Recognition and Prestige

Being acknowledged as an award-winning apprenticeship employer or provider enhances your reputation within the industry and among potential apprentices. This recognition can help attract top talent and demonstrate your commitment to nurturing the workforce of the future.

2. Networking Opportunities

By participating in the awards, you gain access to a network of like-minded professionals and organisations. This presents valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in apprenticeships.

3. Showcasing Best Practice

Entering the AAC Apprenticeship Awards allows you to showcase your organisation’s successful implementation of apprenticeships and its positive impact on apprentices and employers. This can inspire others to adopt similar strategies and contribute to the growth of apprenticeships on a national scale.

How to Enter

Nominations for the 2024 AAC Apprenticeship Awards are now open, with a deadline of noon on Friday, 13 October. Simply visit the official AAC Apprenticeship Awards website and follow the guidelines provided to submit your nomination. Be sure to provide compelling evidence of your organisation’s achievements, commitment, and impact in your chosen category.

Photo credit: izusek

David Nunn is a former Content Manager at AAT.