For individual categories, judges will be looking for:
• Background information about the apprentice’s education journey, and their motivation for choosing an apprenticeship
• Problem-solving, teamwork, determination and motivation
• Evidence of specific skills and competencies gained through the apprenticeship, and planned future career path
• The difference which the apprentice has made to their employer’s systems, processes and/or productivity
• Testimonials from colleagues, managers, trainers and/or customers

For employer categories, judges will be looking for:
• Your motivation for employing apprentices – how many have you employed, and for how long?
• Progression opportunities for apprentices within the business
• Mentoring and training support for apprentices, including partnership working with training providers
• Evidence of continuous improvement and evolution of your apprenticeship programmes, and ‘buy-in’ from all levels of the company
• Relevant awards, accolades, case studies and testimonials

For Rising Star Apprentice of the Year, judges will be looking for

• An individual who has made exceptional progress, demonstrated rapid development, and shown outstanding potential.
• Clear evidence of determination, resilience, teamwork and problem‑solving,
• Specific skills, competencies and professional behaviours gained.
• Tangible contributions to their employer.
• Testimonials from colleagues, managers, trainers or customers.
  
  

For Apprentice Mentor of the Year, judges will be looking for

• An individual who nurtures emerging talent and plays a pivotal role in supporting apprentices to thrive.

• Examples of how they inspire confidence, build skills and encourage problem‑solving, teamwork and resilience.
• Evidence of structured support, such as coaching, guidance, training or pastoral care.
• The measurable difference they have made to apprentice progression, retention, wellbeing or performance.
• Testimonials from apprentices, colleagues, managers or training partners.