Luton Apprenticeship Awards 2026

Thursday 12 Februrary 2026, Putteridge Bury

Celebrating achievement, inspiring growth

The Luton Apprenticeship Awards celebrates and recognises the achievements of apprentices, local employers, and training providers in our town.

Apprenticeships play a vital role in shaping the future workforce, providing individuals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and build successful careers. They also enable businesses to nurture talent, drive innovation, and strengthen the local economy.

The 2025 Awards showcased the outstanding talent of apprentices providers and organisations across Luton. The Awards attendees included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE DL, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Bav Shah, and MP Rachel Hopkins, demonstrating the value of apprenticeships for the town.

Throughout the evening we heard a great number of inspiring stories about all finalists and celebrated all of their achievements.

We are pleased to announce the 2026 Luton Apprenticeship Awards will be taking place at Putteridge Bury on 12 February 2026. Once again, we look to celebrate the exceptional achievements of apprentices and employers. We are delighted to announce that Capital Sky Ltd are our Headline Sponsors for the Luton Apprenticeship Awards 2026. The 2026 awards categories are as follows:

Award categories

We were thrilled to receive your nominations for the following categories, allowing us to once again shine a light on local success stories and showcase the positive impact of apprenticeships in Luton.

Apprentice of the Year

The Apprentice of the Year is the top award of the evening, shining the spotlight on an exceptional apprentice who has demonstrated excellent performance, commitment and growth in their apprenticeship. The apprentice has made a lasting difference to their workplace. This award recognises the enthusiasm and outstanding achievement of an apprentice who has made a remarkable contribution to their work and learning during their apprenticeship.

About the sponsor:

With over 20 years of experience, Just IT is a multi-award-winning national provider, specialising in IT and Digital apprenticeships, recruitment, and training. Since joining The B2W Group in 2022, they have expanded their reach, now supporting over 12,000 learners per year. Their mission is to drive long-term career development, bridge the digital skills gap, and create lasting social impact by putting people at the heart of everything they do.

Just IT’s brand is reflected in THEIR 91% employer satisfaction rating and national awards such as FE Week Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and CompTIA Apprenticeship Partner of the Year.

Best Small/Medium Employer for Apprenticeships

As small and medium businesses play a vital role in Luton’s economy, this award recognises a small to medium employer (with under 250 employees) that has created high-quality apprenticeship opportunities and provides outstanding support and care for their apprentices. It celebrates an employer that see apprenticeships as a chance to develop and nurture people, whilst strengthening their business and community ties.

About the sponsor:

Aegis Support Services is a leading provider of security services, resourcing, and facilities management services across the UK.

Best Large Employer for Apprenticeships

Large employers have the power to shape industries and create opportunities for all. This award celebrates large organisations (over 250 employees) who have built inclusive, inspiring, and strong apprenticeship programmes. It recognises those who invest in the community, open doors to meaningful, lasting careers, whilst making apprentices feel valued and supported.

About the sponsor:

Hannah Solicitors is a law firm with offices in Luton, Bedford, Rushden (Northants) and Solihull. It has dedicated teams specialising in conveyancing, criminal litigation, private client, immigration and employment law. The firm prides itself on its professional and compassionate approach and plays an active role in supporting local charitable events and causes. It demonstrates this commitment through the numerous work experience opportunities that it offers every year to students from local academia as well as recruiting staff from the local community into the business.

Young Apprentice of the Year

As apprenticeships are often the first step for some into the world for work, this award shines light on an exceptional apprentice aged 16-24 who has embraced this opportunity and thrived. The young apprentice shows drive, resilience, and dedication, bringing a fresh perspective into the workplace and proving that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact. The winner will be a role model for other young people also considering apprenticeships.

About the sponsor:

Barnfield College is passionate about nurturing talent and creating opportunities for local people to thrive. As part of the West Herts College Group, they deliver high-quality apprenticeships and vocational training that equip people with the skills employers need. Their commitment is to empower the next generation to achieve their ambitions and make a real impact in their chosen careers.

Sponsoring the Young Apprentice of the Year award reflects their belief in celebrating hard work, dedication, and the incredible potential of young apprentices across Luton.

Women in STEM Apprentice of the Year

Despite making incredible contributions in the fields, women remain under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. This award recognises a female apprentice who is excelling in their chosen STEM field, by breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring other women to follow in their footsteps and make their mark in the world of STEM. The winner will demonstrate talent, determination, and passion, showcasing that everyone is capable of achieving big things.

About the sponsor:

The Bedford College Group is the largest education provider in the Southeast Midlands, supporting over 20,000 learners annually and working with 2,400 employers to deliver skills that transform careers and communities. We offer further education, adult learning, apprenticeships, workforce training, and higher education across Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Bedford Borough and Northamptonshire.

In Central Bedfordshire, we provide a strong apprenticeship offer in construction, engineering, health and social care, business, and digital technologies, helping local employers meet critical skills needs.

Healthcare Apprentice of the Year

Healthcare apprentices play a key role in supporting patients, staff and services across our communities in Luton. This award recognises a healthcare apprentice that shows compassion, commitment and skill every day, whether working directly with patients or behind the scenes. This award celebrates the apprentice that demonstrates extraordinary dedication to caring for others as well as improving the quality of healthcare.

Education & Childcare Apprentice of the Year

One of the most rewarding career paths is supporting and nurturing the next generation, and so, this award honours an apprentice who makes a profound difference to children, young people and families. Whether in the classroom, a nursery, or support setting, this apprentice brings patience, kindness, and care in helping young people thrive. This apprentice embodies compassion and dedication in shaping our future generation.

Professional Services Apprentice of the Year

Professional services such as finance, law, administration, and business support, are vital to Luton’s growth. This award honours an apprentice who demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and strong technical skills in these demanding fields. This individual exceeds expectations with showing initiative, and making a clear impact on their businesses, all whilst developing a strong foundation for their career.

Aviation & Transport Apprentice of the Year

Home to London Luton Airport and DART, it is no surprise that aviation and transport industries are at the core of what drives Luton’s economy. The apprentice honoured with this award will have excelled in aviation, travel, or transport services by contributing to safe, efficient and welcoming operations. The apprentice will representing both their organisation and Luton with pride and play a key part in the efficiency of the service.

About the sponsor:

Neville Special Projects is a main contractor, with a 150-year history, that focuses on commercial and public sector works, providing refurbishment, new build services, and maintenance for clients across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Northamptonshire, with a contract size in excess of £15m.

Public Spirit Apprentice of the Year

Public service and community organisations are built on dedication and care for others, and so requires a workforce with compassion, commitment and courage. The apprentice awarded this will work in emergency services, charities or voluntary group, and will be passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives. The winner will embody the true spirit of service and community impact.

Construction, Manufacturing & Engineering Apprentice of the Year

These vital industries build, make, and shape the town and world around us. This award celebrates an apprentice who has shown outstanding skill, determination and creativity in construction, manufacturing or engineering. It identifies an apprentice who combines technical ability with innovation, dedication and passion, and plays a key role in projects that drive growth and sustainability for our town.

About the sponsor:

Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned contracting and interior fit-out group. Founded in 1852, the company was ranked Europe’s 4th best place to work in the 2024 FT Best Employers guide and followed this by being declared the best big construction firm to work for in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide. They are dedicated to leaving a positive legacy and are one of only a few companies to have received Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in both and sustainability and promoting opportunity through social mobility. In 2023 and 2024 this continued with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity and Sustainable Development. Their goal is to become a net zero carbon company by 2030, with all buildings delivered after this date also being net zero. As the UK’s highest ranked contractor in the FT’s Diversity Leaders list between the years 2020 and 2025, they also aim to achieve gender parity across all levels of the workforce by 2030. They are passionate about their purpose: to deliver brilliant buildings, transform lives, strengthen communities and enhance the environment so our world is fit for future generations.

Our 2026 award sponsors

2025 Award Winners

On 26 February 2025, the inaugural Luton Apprenticeship Awards took place, celebrating the outstanding achievements of apprentices, employers, and training providers across Luton.

The event commended 12 winners spanning across various award categories, with 14 highly commended individuals also celebrated.

Apprentice of the Year 2025 – Tamara Crocker, TUI UK&I

This award celebrates an apprentice who has demonstrated outstanding performance, commitment, and growth in their apprenticeship. This award recognises the dedication and outstanding achievements of an apprentices who has made an outstanding contribution to their work and learning during their apprenticeship. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Excellence in skill development – Consistent demonstration of technical and professional skills learned during the apprenticeship.
Commitment and dedication – Showing enthusiasm for learning and improvement
Positive work impact – Significant contribution to the success of their team or company through innovative ideas, problem solving, or exceptional teamwork.
Professional growth – Demonstration of adaptability and a commitment to personal and professional growth throughout the apprenticeship, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities
Continues learning – Demonstrates a proactive approach to personal and professional development, actively seeking opportunities to expand knowledge.

This award is sponsored by Luton North Rotary Club.

Rising Star 2025 – Thomas Dadswell, TUI UK&I

Awarded to an apprentice who has shown significant potential and demonstrated exceptional qualities within a short period of their apprenticeship. These individuals show a dedication to learning and a clear trajectory for future leadership or excellence in their chosen field. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Proactive attitude – Takes initiative in their role and displays the ability to use information from a variety of sources to plan and execute tasks.
Natural leadership potential – Demonstrates emerging leadership skills through taking ownership of projects and challenges. Working collaboratively within a team and /or across teams.
Professionalism – Exhibits a high level of professionalism in all aspects of their role including communication, punctuality and work ethic.
Innovative thinking – Shows creativity and ability to bring new ideas that improve processes and solve problems in the workplace.

Community Impact 2025 – Kaval Hussain, Keech Hospice

Awarded to an apprentice whose efforts have had a meaningful impact on the local community, either directly through their work, engagement or advocacy. The apprentice has demonstrated how compassionate interventions have made a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Luton. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Community involvement– Actively participates in community outreach, Charity events or volunteering during the apprenticeships
Social responsibility – demonstrates a strong commitment to using skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others outside the workplace
Positive impact – Shows evidence of a measurable positive impact on a community project or cause.
Advocacy for social good – Promotes awareness of key social issues and advocates for community improvement within and beyond their apprenticeship setting.

This award is sponsored by Tui.

Second Career 2025 – Rajendranath Busawon, LAL

Awarded to individuals who have entered an apprenticeship as a mature worker. This award celebrates continual upskilling, dedication to development and achieving notable success after a first career. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Commitment to learning – Demonstrates a strong desire and determination to continued learning and to transition into a new career, often after many years in a different field.
Adaptability and skills transfer – Shows ability to adapt to new learning environments and industries as well as demonstrating the ability to effectively transfer skills from previous careers.
Performance excellence – Displayed excellency within their new field and a high level of motivation to achieve future successes.

Young Apprentice 2025 – Daisy Brown, Stellantis (Vauxhall)

Celebrates the young apprentice (16-24) who have shown commitment to practical learning and developing of professional practice. This individual has demonstrated significant potential in their field and the promise of brilliance. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Outstanding achievement – Demonstrates significant progress strong communication and promise of leadership relative to their experience within their apprenticeship.
Team collaboration- Plays an important role in their team, either through teamwork, collaboration, or leadership. Developing great teamwork skills.
Ambition and Potential – Displays high levels of ambition, with a clear desire to progress further in their career.

This award is sponsored by Barnfield College.

Women in Stem 2025 – Millie Henry, TUI UK&I

Recognises women who have excelled in science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) apprenticeships, making notable contributions to the field and demonstrate potential for future leadership and brilliance. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Excellence in STEM skills – Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in their chosen STEM field, consistently delivering high-quality work and innovation.
Advocacy for women in STEM – Actively promotes a STEM education and careers for women, advocating for gender diversity in the workplace.
Innovation and problem solving – Displays creativity and analytical skills, contributing to significant projects or solving complex technical problems
Leadership and influence – Plays an influential role in their team or organisation, often leading by example in STEM careers.

This award is sponsored by University of Bedfordshire.

Large Employer for Apprenticeships 2025 – TUI UK&I

Winner of Large Employer 2025 – TUI UK&I

Celebrates a large employer (with over 250 employees) that have shown dedication to apprentice development, offering robust programs with impactful results. This organisation offers a range of opportunities for numerous apprentices allowing for the creation of a learning network and a wide scale commitment to learning and upskilling. The organisation should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Commitment to apprenticeships – Demonstrates a positive commitment to offering a wide range of apprenticeships across different levels and departments
Structured support and development – Provides apprentices with clear training plans, mentorship, and opportunities for skill enhancement, ensuring both personal and professional growth.
Career progression – Offers apprentices clear pathways to permanent employment and career advancement within the organisation
Community and industry engagement – Fosters strong ties with the local community and industries to provide apprentices with networking opportunities, industry exposure, and community involvement
Must have over 250 employees

This award is sponsored by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Small Employer for Apprenticeships 2025 – Neville Trust Ltd

Recognises a small employer (with under 250 employees) who excels in providing apprenticeships, with a strong focus on mentorship, targeted growth, and opportunities for professional and personal development. The organisation should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Commitment to apprenticeships – Demonstrates a deep commitment to apprenticeship training, offering high-quality programs tailored to the needs the apprentice.
Personalised mentorships – Offers apprentices close mentorship and hands-on training, providing an environment where they can learn directly from experienced professionals.
Career growth opportunities – Ensures that apprentices are given responsibilities that contribute to their growth and offers clear pathways to career progression within the business
Community contribution – Contributes to the local community by providing apprenticeship opportunities that encourage local talent development.
Must have under 250 employees

Mentor of the Year 2025 – Carley Fisher, TUI UK&I

Honours an individual mentor who has provided exceptional guidance, support, and development for apprentices. This mentor has supported the apprentice to develop their personal and professional growth. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Dedication to mentorship – Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the growth and success of their apprentices, offering continuous support, feedback, and encouragement.
Effective communication – Exhibits strong communication skills, ensuring that apprentices clearly understand their roles, tasks, and expectations while fostering a supportive learning environment.
Personalised support – Tailors their mentoring approach to meet the individual needs of each apprentice, helping them overcome challenges and building their confidence.
Role model and inspiration – Acts as a role model in both professional conduct and ethical behaviour, inspiring apprentices to aim high in their careers.
Empowerment and growth – Encourages apprentices to take initiative, fosters independent thinking, and provides opportunities for apprentices to showcase their skills.

This award is sponsored by Oaklands College.

Apprentice Provider 2025 – Luton Adult Learning, LBC

This award recognises the apprenticeship provider who has deliver exceptional apprenticeships programmes to individuals living and or working in Luton. Providers demonstrate commitment to professional development and career progression contributing to inclusive economic growth. The provider should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Quality of training – Delivers high-quality training programs that are tailored to meet the needs of both apprentices and employers, ensuring that apprentices gain relevant, industry-specific skills.
Apprentice support and success – Provides comprehensive support services to apprentices, ensuring their well-being, career guidance, and high completion rates.
Diversity and inclusion – Promotes equal access to apprenticeships, actively working to recruit and support apprentices from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to sustainability – Integrates sustainability principles into the training curriculum, ensuring apprentices are equipped with knowledge on eco-friendly practices and sustainable industries.

This award is sponsored by Ryebridge Construction.

Innovation in Apprenticeships 2025 – Carley Fisher, TUI UK&I

Recognises training providers who have developed innovative methods, technologies, or practices to enhance apprenticeship delivery learning and outcomes. These individuals also focus on transferable skills to foster innovative development. The organisation should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Innovative learning techniques – Demonstrates the use of creative and innovative teaching methods, such as digital learning platforms, blended learning, or interactive workshops, that enhance the apprentice’s experience.
Adaptation to industry needs – Implements cutting-edge apprenticeship programs that align with emerging trends and technological advancements in the industry.
Flexibility in delivery – Offers apprentices flexibility in learning, with options for part-time, remote learning, or hybrid training models that fit various learning needs and preferences.

Sustainability Contribution 2025 – Eleanor Shepard, TUI UK&I

Recognises an individual who has integrated sustainability principles into their approach, fostering environmental awareness and responsible practices. The individual will have also encouraged a commitment to a Net Zero Luton. The individual should have met the following criteria:

Criteria –

Commitment to sustainability – Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to sustainability, actively seeking ways to reduce the environmental footprint in the workplace or industry.
Sustainable innovation – Contributes to projects that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, or sustainable practices, either within their organisation or in the broader community.
Practical application of green skills – Applies sustainable practices in their day-to-day work, such as reducing resource consumption, implementing green technologies, or improving processes to minimise environmental harm.
Awareness and advocacy – Raises awareness about environmental issues, promoting sustainability initiatives among peers and colleagues, and encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly practices.