Multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, broadcaster, and television presenter, Matt Richardson has been confirmed as the host of this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards (WA Awards).
Taking place on Thursday 26 November 2026 at West Midlands Safari Park, the WA Awards celebrate the outstanding apprentices, employers and supporters who are helping to drive apprenticeship success across Worcestershire.
Established through a partnership between Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire County Council, the grant-funded Worcestershire Apprenticeships programme helps to address the skills and employment needs of the local workforce by supporting apprenticeship growth across the county.
With only a few days remaining, the Worcestershire Apprenticeships team is also encouraging final submissions ahead of the Friday 17 July deadline. Nominations are open to apprentices, employers, schools and training providers who have made a real difference over the last year.
Entries and nominations can be made quickly and easily via the online website system.
The 2026 event will recognise achievements across ten categories:
Apprentice Awards
• Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year
• Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year
• Higher Level Apprentice of the Year
• Degree Level Apprentice of the Year
Employer Awards
• Micro/Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
• Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
• Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
Support Awards
• School of the Year
• Training Provider of the Year
• Apprentice Ambassador of the Year
The evening will culminate in the announcement of the two prestigious overall winners for ‘Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year’. Celebrating the very best in local talent and skills development in Worcestershire.
Multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, broadcaster, and television presenter, Matt Richardson, said: “I am really looking forward to being the host for the 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. This is set to be a fantastic evening where the Worcestershire community comes together to celebrate all those involved in making apprenticeships a success in the area, and I cannot wait to guide attendees through the evening.”
Worcestershire County Councillor, Dan Boatright-Greene, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education, SEND and Skills, said: “This will be my first Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards as Cabinet Member, and I’m really excited to be celebrating alongside all the apprentices, employers, schools and training providers who make apprenticeships such a massive success across Worcestershire.
“When we celebrate an apprenticeship, we’re celebrating more than one person’s achievement. We’re recognising employers investing in people, training providers nurturing talent, and apprentices whose hard work and determination are helping to shape Worcestershire’s future workforce. That’s why these awards are so important.
“With Matt Richardson hosting it promises to be a fantastic evening, and I really hope people across Worcestershire don’t miss the opportunity to nominate an apprentice, employer, school or training provider who they believe truly deserves to be recognised.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am looking forward to another brilliant Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards and it is fantastic to have Matt Richardson joining us to guide the evening. With entries still open, I strongly encourage anyone interested to submit an entry or nomination before 17 July.”
To nominate before the 17 July deadline, visit the WA Awards section of the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website https://worcsapprenticeships.org.uk/worcestershire-apprenticeships-events/annual-apprenticeship-awards/