Time is running out to get your entry in

With the nomination deadline fast approaching, individuals, employers and training providers across the region are being urged to submit their entries for the 2026 Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards before it is too late.

Now in its sixth year and headlined by The Royal Navy, the awards have become one of the region's most prestigious celebrations of apprenticeship success, recognising the talented individuals, forward-thinking employers and dedicated training providers who are helping to develop the workforce of the future.

Entries must be submitted before the closing date, with organisers encouraging businesses and apprentices not to miss the opportunity to gain regional recognition for their achievements.

The awards feature 14 categories, celebrating apprentices at every stage of their journey alongside the employers, mentors and training providers whose commitment to skills development is making a lasting impact across Portsmouth and Chichester.

placeholder image — Last year's award winners

This year's independent judging panel is almost complete and looking forward to reviewing what promises to be another outstanding selection of nominations.

Judges include:

Simon Ashwood, Military Independent Assessment Authority Team Leader, Royal Navy
Fiona Stilwell, Chief Executive Officer, PETA
David Humphries, CEO, Shaping Portsmouth
Mark Waldron, Editor in Chief, Iconic Media
Jon Daines, Managing Director (Construction), Amiri Construction Ltd
Matt Johnson, Director - South Coast Institute of Technology

The panel is encouraging entrants to share their apprenticeship journeys, achievements and the difference apprenticeships have made to their careers and organisations.

Sponsors of the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category Beth Challoner, Director – Apprenticeships and Business Engagement, said: "South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is proud to support these awards, celebrating the transformative impact of apprenticeships on individuals and businesses alike. It’s important to celebrate the talent, skills, knowledge and behaviours developed through apprenticeship programmes, and to recognise the significant value apprenticeships bring to businesses across the region.”

Last year's Advanced Apprentice of the Year winner, Jade McDonald, from Liquid Friday Ltd, demonstrated exactly the type of inspiring story the judges are looking for.

Jade began her apprenticeship as an Accounts Assistant before progressing into a People Specialist role, where she has become a passionate advocate for employee wellbeing, inclusion and personal development. Alongside achieving professional HR qualifications, she established her organisation's Mental Health and Well-being Team, helped introduce mental health awareness training for managers and has used her own experience of dyslexia to champion a more inclusive workplace.

Her journey highlights how apprenticeships can provide far more than technical skills, creating opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership qualities and make a meaningful difference within an organisation.

The Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards continue to grow year after year, celebrating the individuals and organisations that are investing in talent, creating career opportunities and strengthening the regional economy through apprenticeships.

For finalists and winners, the awards offer valuable recognition, raise professional profiles and provide an opportunity to celebrate success alongside peers, industry leaders and employers. For businesses and training providers, they showcase a commitment to developing future talent while recognising the teams and individuals who go above and beyond to support apprentices.

Nominations are open to apprentices, employers, colleges and training providers, with dedicated categories recognising outstanding employers and mentors as well as apprentices themselves.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Thursday, October 22 at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel. Guests will be welcomed from 6.45pm with a drinks reception sponsored by the Marriott Hotel before dinner and the awards presentation.

To be eligible for apprentice categories, entrants must live, work or train within the region and have been enrolled on their apprenticeship programme for at least 12 months before the event. Entries may be submitted by the apprentice, employer or training provider and should address all of the published judging criteria to give the strongest possible chance of success.

Nominations must be submitted online via www.pcapprenticeshipawards.co.uk.

For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Event Manager Haroldine Lockwood at [email protected].

Award Categories

Intermediate Apprentice

Open to apprentices who are studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4-9).

Advanced Apprentice, sponsored by South Hampshire College Group

Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass).

Higher Apprentice, sponsored by University of Portsmouth

Open to apprentices, who are studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification. (equivalent to a foundation degree)

Degree Apprentice

Open to apprentices, 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 work within the construction industry.

Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice

Open to apprentices, who work within the engineering or manufacturing sectors.

Health and Public Service Apprentice

Open to apprentices, who work within the health or public service sectors.

Professional Services Apprentice, sponsored by The Royal Navy

Open to apprentices, who work within professional services.

Technology and Digital Apprentice

Open to apprentices, who work within a digital or technology sector.

SME Employer

Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.

Large Employer, sponsored by City of Portsmouth College

Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme

Apprentice Ambassador

This award celebrates individuals 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, sponsored by The Royal Navy

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.