The AEA Apprentice Awards 2026 celebrated the achievements of apprentices, mentors and employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, development and impact throughout the year.

The annual awards recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond in their apprenticeship journey, highlighting the dedication, talent and professionalism shown by apprentices across a wide range of industries including energy, manufacturing, engineering and education.

This year saw an exciting change to the format of the awards, as the AEA Apprentice Awards went “on tour.” Instead of hosting a single awards event, the team travelled to the workplaces of our winners to surprise them with their awards in person. This approach allowed us to celebrate their achievements alongside the colleagues, mentors and teams who support them every day.

Nominations are submitted by employers, mentors and training providers who work closely with apprentices and witness first-hand their progress and contributions within the workplace.

This year’s apprenticeship awards once again saw an impressive number of nominations, showcasing the strength of apprenticeship programmes and the outstanding individuals driving success across the network.

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Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognises apprentices who are at an early stage of their apprenticeship but have already demonstrated exceptional potential, dedication and progress within their role.

Rising Star Nominees

• Declan – VPI / IPS
• Noah – Vertiv / The Sheffield College
• Shohreh – Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School / System People
• Jack – Tronox / Catch
• Laura – Langwathby C of E School / System People
• Antony – VPI / Tiro
• Zach – Mitsubishi Chemical / Catch

Rising Star Winner (Technical): Zach – Mitsubishi Chemical / Catch

Zach received the Rising Star Apprentice Award for consistently demonstrating exceptional attitude, effort and professional growth throughout his apprenticeship.

He combines a strong work ethic with a genuine commitment to learning and applying feedback. His pride and professionalism in his work, alongside his proactive initiative, reliability and team spirit, have driven impressive development in his skills, confidence and responsibility over the past year.

Rising Star Winner (Service and Supply): Laura – Langwathby C of E School / System People

Laura has earned the Rising Star Award for her exceptional dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to helping every child thrive.

She consistently goes above and beyond in all areas of school life, building trusted relationships with children and families, delivering thoughtful and tailored support for vulnerable pupils, and demonstrating a level of impact, initiative and passion that far exceeds expectations.

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Being Their Best Award

The Being Their Best Award recognises apprentices who consistently deliver excellence in their role and demonstrate professionalism, commitment and a strong contribution to their workplace.

Being Their Best Nominees

• Chanele – Triton Power / BPP
• Dominic – Tronox / Catch
• Pheobe – Tronox / Tiro
• Edith – Crosscanonby School / System People
• Jacob – VPI
• Kris – Triton Power / Tiro
• Shohreh – Cinnamon Brow CE Primary School / System People
• Zach – Mitsubishi Chemical / Catch
• Zofia – Triton Power / Tiro

Being Their Best Winner (Technical): Zofia – Triton Power / Tiro

Zofia received the Technical Being Their Best Award for consistently maintaining high standards throughout her apprenticeship.

She has exceeded targets, completed self-directed learning ahead of schedule and produced high-quality work while applying her technical knowledge effectively within the laboratory. Zofia has developed into a skilled, driven technician and is now a trusted and valued member of the Triton team.

Being Their Best Winner (Service & Supply): Edith – Crosscanonby School / System People

Edith received the Being Their Best Award for embodying the heart of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team through her genuine passion, patience and calm, creative approach when supporting children.

She proactively champions initiatives such as Positive Regard, continually strives for professional development and ensures every child feels safe, valued and supported within the learning environment.

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Future Leader Award

The Future Leader Award recognises apprentices who demonstrate strong leadership potential, initiative and the ability to positively influence their teams and organisations.

Future Leader Nominees

• Louis – VPI / IPS
• Zach – Mitsubishi Chemical / Catch
• Matthew – VPI / Burnley College

Future Leader Winner: Matthew – VPI / Burnley College

Matthew received the Future Leader Award for consistently demonstrating adaptability, maturity and professionalism both in the workplace and at college.

He has established himself as a dependable and collaborative team member while proactively providing constructive feedback to improve apprenticeship delivery for current and future cohorts. His high-quality coursework and strong personal standards highlight his drive, accountability and clear leadership potential.

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Apprentice of the Year Award

The Apprentice of the Year Award is the highest recognition of the AEA Apprentice Awards, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, achievement and impact throughout their apprenticeship.

Apprentice of the Year Nominees

• Donna – Beaconside Primary School / System People
• Laura – Langwathby C of E School / System People
• Dominic – Tronox / Catch

Apprentice of the Year Winner: Dominic – Tronox / Catch

Dominic was awarded Apprentice of the Year 2026 following an outstanding first year in his apprenticeship.

His dedication to both his academic studies and plant operations has been exceptional. Dominic successfully completed his first operator patrol with a distinction, demonstrating both technical ability and strong commitment to learning.

He has integrated seamlessly into his shift team, earning respect for his positive attitude, willingness to support colleagues and strong work ethic. His enthusiasm, resilience, professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement make him a truly deserving winner.

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Mentor of the Year Award

The Mentor of the Year Award recognises the vital role mentors and line managers play in supporting apprentices to succeed and develop throughout their apprenticeship programmes.

Mentor of the Year Nominees

• Craig – Tronox
• Joanne – Morland Area C of E School
• Wieslaw – Urbis Schreder

Mentor of the Year Winner: Wieslaw – Urbis Schreder

Wieslaw received the Mentor of the Year Award for his positive leadership and commitment to supporting apprentices at Urbis Schreder.

He consistently encourages his apprentice to exceed expectations while fostering a supportive learning culture within the workplace. His guidance has been instrumental in their outstanding progress, including achieving straight distinctions at college.

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Celebrating Apprenticeship Success

The AEA Apprentice Awards 2026 once again highlighted the incredible talent, dedication and ambition shown by apprentices across multiple industries.

These awards not only recognise the achievements of apprentices but also celebrate the essential role played by employers, mentors and training providers in supporting the development of the future workforce.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners for their exceptional achievements and commitment to their apprenticeship journey.