Category Information
This award recognises an outstanding apprentice who has made a significant contribution to their organisation while successfully undertaking an apprenticeship programme within the last 24 months. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated commitment, ambition and a positive approach to learning, while making a measurable impact in their role.
Open to apprentices of any age and at any level, including degree apprenticeships, this award recognises those who have embraced the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and experience while delivering real value to their employer. Whether starting their career after education or progressing within an existing role, these individuals demonstrate the power of apprenticeships in developing talent and driving business success.
Judges are looking for:
- Evidence of the positive impact the apprentice has made within their organisation
- Examples of how they have applied the knowledge, skills and behaviours gained through their apprenticeship in the workplace
- A commitment to personal and professional development, with a proactive approach to learning
- Evidence of initiative, innovation and problem solving in their role
- Examples of how they have supported colleagues, customers or wider business objectives
- Demonstrable achievements and contributions that have delivered measurable benefits to the organisation
- A collaborative and professional approach that reflects their potential as a future leader or specialist in their field
- Testimonials or feedback from employers, colleagues or training providers that highlight their achievements and impact
The Apprentice of the Year will be a valued team member who demonstrates ambition, dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement while making a meaningful contribution to their organisation.
Please note: the postcode of the employer’s head office must be used when assessing eligibility for the awards, not the apprentice’s home address.
For any queries regarding your entry, please get in touch with the Chamber team at info@somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.
How do I enter?
All you need to do is complete the online entry form, making sure that you understand the criteria for the category/ies that you wish to enter.
- Choose your category
- Enter a statement of up to 800 words explaining why your business merits an award
- Highlight up to six key points selling your company to the judges
- Attach up to five pieces of evidence to support your application – attachments can be up to a maximum of 2MB each.
- Attach the company logo
Does my business qualify?
All businesses entering the awards must be based within the district council administrative boundaries of Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendip and Somerset West and Taunton. Business can also enter if they are based within the following North Somerset Council and Bath and North East Somerset postcodes:
BS21, 22, 23, 24, 40, 48 and 49
The business should have its head office within the defined eligible area set out above. If this is not the case, the entry MUST demonstrate that the enterprise has local autonomy over business planning, marketing, HR and budget within the eligible areas listed above.
If you are unsure if you qualify, please get in touch.
“The Somerset Business Awards was such an amazing event, we felt very privileged to attend. Just being there and being a finalist was a big achievement but to win was something we could of only dreamt off. It lifted morale within the team and I felt so proud lifting the award.”
Award Judge
Joe Smith – Director of Strategic Accounts and Employer Partnerships.
This year marks my first year judging the Apprenticeship of the Year category for the Somerset Business Awards, and I am delighted to be involved.
I have worked at Weston College Group since 2018 and have recently taken on the role of Director of Strategic Accounts and Employer Partnerships, overseeing our apprenticeship provision and team at the College.
This role gives me a strong understanding of the value apprenticeships bring to individuals, employers and the wider Somerset economy. I am particularly looking forward to hearing about the experiences, achievements and impact of the apprentices being recognised through this category.
Apprenticeships can be truly transformational, providing people with the opportunity to develop their skills, gain valuable workplace experience and build successful careers, while helping employers to grow and develop their future workforce.
I am excited to meet the nominees, hear their stories and play a part in recognising the outstanding apprenticeship talent across Somerset!
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