The finalists and sponsors have been announced for the prestigious 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.
Over 30 finalists have been announced for 2026 from across 10 categories. These categories recognising the very best apprentices, employers, training providers, schools and ambassadors in Worcestershire.
Alongside the finalists, Worcestershire Apprenticeships are also pleased to share the sponsors for 2026 awards evening.
Worcestershire Apprenticeships, which has been operating for over a decade, is an initiative created by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Worcestershire County Council to address the skills and employment needs of the local workforce by supporting apprenticeship growth across the county.
The annual awards evening has become a staple of the business calendar, being delivered to celebrate every aspect of the apprenticeship journey in the county. 2026 marks the 12th year of the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.
The 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards will take place on Thursday 26 November at the fantastic West Midlands Safari Park, with over 300 attendees expected to attend.
This year the awards evening with be hosted by multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, broadcaster, and television presenter, Matt Richardson.
The 2026 award categories are:
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 popular celebration event will culminate in the two illustrious overall awards of ‘Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year’, sponsored by Sanctuary and ‘Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year’, sponsored by Amada UK Ltd.
Worcestershire County Councillor, Dan Boatright-Greene, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education, SEND and Skills, said: “I’m really inspired by the strong group of finalists announced for the 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships WA Awards. Every one of them should be incredibly proud of their achievement.”
“When we celebrate apprenticeships, we celebrate more than individual success. We’re recognising the employers, schools, training providers, and support networks that help people develop their skills and reach their potential. Together, with our amazing WA team, they make apprenticeships a massive success across Worcestershire.”
“I wish all our finalists the best of luck and I can’t wait to join them in November to celebrate the outstanding contribution apprenticeships make to our incredible county!”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Apprenticeships play a crucial role in our economy, helping individuals and organisations grow, develop and thrive. Events such as this provide an opportunity to celebrate the apprenticeship journey and recognise the dedication, hard work and achievements of everyone involved.”
To find out more about the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards, please visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website. www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk
Join and follow the conversation around the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards on social media by using the hashtag #WorcsApprentice
The finalists for the 2026 Worcestershire Apprenticeships are:
Apprentice Awards
- Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak UK
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- Connor Berry – 2 Counties Construction
- Melissa Harper – Platform Housing Group
- Rebecca Swingewood – Theataccounts
- Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Worcester Bosch
- Charlotte Broomhall – West Mercia Police
- Joesph Meese – Titan Steel Wheels
- Josh Davies – Yamazaki Mazak UK
- Higher Level Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Seetec
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- Justyna Mieczkowska – Southco Manufacturing
- Leila Arrazi – Kimal UK
- Robert Kelly – Sanctuary
- Degree Level Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Platform Housing Group
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- Holly Kenward – Roxel Group UK
- James Saunders – QinetiQ
- Oscar Bird – Bishop Fleming
Employer Awards
- Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
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- Fresh Nous
- Hewett Recruitment
- UK Electrical Installations
- Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – Sponsored by West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
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- Barrie Beard Ltd
- GLP Training
- TSR Group
- Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Kidderminster College
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- Community Housing
- Platform Housing Group
- Titan Steel Wheels
- Yamazaki Mazak UK
Support Awards
- School of the Year – Sponsored by Heart of Worcestershire College
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- Prince Henry’s High School
- St Augustine’s Catholic High School
- Worcester Sixth Form
- Training Provider of the Year – Sponsored by Barrie Beard Ltd
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- Heart of Worcestershire College
- GLP Training
- The Development Manager (TDM)
- Apprentice Ambassador of the Year – Sponsored by Worcestershire Training Providers Association
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- Cerys McCulloch – Yamazaki Mazak UK
- Keeley West – Yamazaki Mazak UK
- Luke Smyth – Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust