Celebrating Dorset Apprenticeships
Dorset Chamber has once again joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) to deliver the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards, proudly sponsored by manufacturing firm Superior.
These awards celebrate the achievements, commitment and impact of apprentices across Dorset, recognising individuals and programmes that are helping to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Entries are now open for the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2026, with winners announced at a celebratory awards ceremony on 29 May, attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset.
Why Enter?
The Dorset Apprenticeship Awards are your opportunity to:
-
Celebrate success – recognise the hard work, dedication and achievements of your apprentices
-
Show pride in your organisation – highlight your commitment to developing talent and investing in skills
-
Reward outstanding individuals – give apprentices the recognition they deserve
-
Raise your profile – gain positive exposure for your business, training provision or programme
-
Inspire others – share best practice and encourage more employers and individuals to engage with apprenticeships
Whether you’re an employer, apprentice or training provider, entering is a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate what you do well.
Award Categories
-
Supported Internship of the Year
-
Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year
-
Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year
-
Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year
-
Degree Apprentice of the Year
How to enter
To make the awards as accessible as possible, nominations can now be submitted by the employer, the apprentice, the supported intern or the training provider.
To enter, complete the application form with information requested. This includes basic contact information and details of the programme, as well as information on the progress, impact and achievements of the person being nominated. All applications require a personal statement from the apprentice/supported intern and a reference from an employer, tutor or colleague/contact. Entries can also include supporting documents or a short video.
We recommend that you prepare your entry first before adding to the application form, or that you ‘save and return’. If you ‘save and return’ you have 30 days to complete and submit your application. The application form is summarised here.
Who Can Enter?
-
Entrants must be currently undertaking an apprenticeship or have completed their programme within the last 12 months (as of 29 May)
-
Apprentices should live or work in Dorset (employers may be based outside the county)
-
Open to all apprenticeship-employing organisations operating in Dorset
Key Dates
Closing date for entries: 27 March 2026. Finalisfs will be contacted in mid-April and must be available to attend the event on 29 May.
2025 Winners
Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2025 were hailed for their ‘inspirational achievements’ when the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards were announced.
They claimed honours in five categories at a ceremony with dignitaries, organisers, guests, employers, and education and training providers. Dorset Chamber and Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) held the annual celebration of success with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior.
The winners were:
- Supported Internship Award: Alfie Blake – BCP Council/SWRAC
- Intermediate Apprenticeship Award: Morgan Simpson – Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen/Bournemouth and Poole College
- Advanced Apprenticeship Award: Jack Lant – Poole Accident Repair/RWC Training and Skillnet
- Higher Level Apprenticeship Award: Aleasha Ellis – Bluebird Care/t2 group
- Degree Level Apprenticeship Award: Sarah Matthias – University Hospitals Dorset/Bournemouth University
Former apprentice and upholstery expert from television programme The Repair Shop Sonnaz Nooranvary presented the awards and shared her own experience about becoming an apprentice at 17.