This year’s event, set to take place on Thursday, November 20 at the Copthorne Hotel at Merry Hill in Brierley Hill, will be a celebration of the region’s vibrant apprenticeship network.
With 14 award categories, the event aims to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices, the dedication of training providers and the commitment of businesses fostering apprenticeship programmes.
Winning an award at the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards is more than just a trophy; it’s a significant boost to an apprentice’s career prospects and a powerful affirmation of an employer’s commitment to developing young talent and building a skilled workforce.
All eligible apprentices, employers and training providers across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton are urged to put themselves forward for recognition at the gala awards event, which attracted more than 250 guests in 2024.
The 14 award categories include dedicated mentor and ambassador accolades, designed to honour individuals who go above and beyond in nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.
Express & Star editor-in-chief Mark Drew said: “We’re delighted to support apprentices and apprenticeships. The awards are a great way to reward all who’ve successfully completed apprenticeships and supported apprentices and have a great future ahead of them.”
The awards are being held in partnership with The Ladder for the Black Country, Halesowen College, Dudley College of Technology, Sandwell College, Doocey Group and the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.
The deadline for nominations is just around the corner, with all entries needing to be submitted by September 16.
To enter visit www.bcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk.
For sponsorship enquiries contact senior sales consultant Bal Sanghera on 07852 149749 or email baljinder.sanghera@expressandstar.co.uk.
Award categories:
Intermediate Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 who are studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4-9).
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Advanced Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 who are studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass).
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Higher Apprentice, sponsored by Doocey Group
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification.
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Degree Apprentice, sponsored by West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025, who are studying for a level 6 or above qualification (equivalent to Bachelor’s or Masters Degree).
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Construction Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within the construction industry.
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice, sponsored by Sandwell Council
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within the engineering or manufacturing sectors.
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Health and Public Service Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within the health or public service sectors.
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Professional Services Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within professional services.
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
Technology and Digital Apprentice
Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme 12 months prior to the event date November 20, 2025 and work within a digital or technology sector.
The entry should be completed by either the apprentice, employer or training provider.
SME Employer, sponsored by Dudley College of Technology
Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
Large Employer, sponsored by Halesowen College
Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme
Apprentice Ambassador
This award celebrates individuals or organisations that have been outstanding advocates for apprenticeships, raising awareness and championing opportunities for young talent. The entry should be completed by either the apprentice or organisation.
Mentor
This category is for an individual who has encouraged and inspired apprentices throughout their training programme. Mentors can be the line manager, a training provider or someone that the apprentice works with who has greatly contributed to the individual’s development.
Entries should be completed by either the apprentice or an individual that has witnessed the impact that the mentor has had on the individual.
Training Provider/Programme
Open to colleges, organisations, or businesses that provide the training element of one or more apprenticeship programmes.
Nominations can be made either for a specific apprenticeship programme or a provider that offers multiple programmes.
