Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards

Each year, we celebrate apprentices, employers, training providers and skills champions through the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.  

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025 are now closed for entries and nominations.

Our category sponsors are now in the process of carrying out the judging.
Our headline sponsor – The Hill Group – will be selecting the overall Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year from the winners of the five apprentice awards.

Finalists will be announced on 24 April.
Winners will be announced at a special celebration evening on 22 May held in the iconic Long Library at Blenheim Palace.

Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025

The 2025 award categories and criteria are listed below.
Our category sponsors are now in the process of carrying out the judging.

If you have any questions, please email skills@enterpriseoxfordshire.com. Thank you for your interest and good luck!

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care

To recognise level 2 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.  

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by NielsenIQ

To recognise level 3 apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. 

Higher / Degree Apprentice of the Year

Sponsored by Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology

To recognise level 4 and above apprentices who have been in post for at least 9 months and have excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces. 

Special Recognition Award

Sponsored by Milestone Infrastructure

To recognise apprentices at any level who have been in post for at least 9 months and have achieved in overcoming significant challenges or barriers to learning or work.

Rising Star Award

Sponsored by Popham Hairdressing

To recognise apprentices who have been in post for less than 9 months and have already excelled in their work, learning and development and made exceptional contributions to their workplaces.

Shining Star Award

Sponsored by IST INTECH

To recognise individuals who have made outstanding progress in their career since completing their first apprenticeship and have the potential to achieve even more.

Apprenticeship Ambassador Award

Sponsored by Grundon

To recognise individuals who go the extra mile to champion and promote apprenticeships in Oxfordshire.

Skills Champion Award

Sponsored by The Engineering Trust

To recognise individuals who make a significant contribution to promoting apprenticeships and other vocational training routes, such as school/college careers professionals or teachers, business volunteers, work coaches and Enterprise Advisers.

Inspiring the Future Employer of the Year 

Sponsored by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

To recognise employers in Oxfordshire who have gone the extra mile to inform and inspire the next generation, including engaging with local schools and colleges.

Training Provider Individual Award

Sponsored by Oxford Brookes University

To recognise individuals working for organisations that provide apprenticeship training in Oxfordshire (colleges, universities, employer providers and independent training providers) who go the extra mile to support and encourage apprentices and enable individuals to achieve to their potential.

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (Less Than 250 Employees)

Sponsored by Olamalu

To recognise small and medium sized apprenticeship employers in Oxfordshire that have exceeded normal standards and expectations in providing a high-quality apprenticeship experience.

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (250 or More Employees)

Sponsored by Assure UK

To recognise large apprenticeship employers in Oxfordshire that have exceeded normal standards and expectations in providing a high-quality apprenticeship experience.

Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year

Chosen by headline sponsor The Hill Group

To recognise the apprentice who has reached the highest levels of excellence and achievement. Chosen by the headline sponsor from the winners of the five apprentice award categories.

With thanks to our other 2025 awards sponsors and supporters

If you are interested in sponsoring the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards, please see our sponsorship pack for details.

Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025 Guidance

Why you should enter the awards

Sarah Jaycock, Co-Founder and Executive Director of High Spec Composites, Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards host, committee member and sponsor and apprenticeship award winner, shares the benefits of entering and her top tips for writing a winning entry.

 Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024

Watch the highlights from the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024, which took place on 16 May at the spectacular Williams Racing Experience Centre with our headline sponsor Oxford North. Read our article for a list of winners.