Worcestershire celebrates outstanding success at Annual Apprenticeship Awards
As businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire look ahead to 2026, it’s clear that the organisations that will thrive are those that can attract, develop, and retain the next generation of talent.
Nowhere was that commitment more visible than at the 2025 Apprenticeships Awards, where more than 320 employers, apprentices, schools, and training providers gathered to celebrate the county’s skills pipeline.
Held on 13 November at West Midlands Safari Park, the event marked the eleventh year of the awards and set a new record for the number of finalists – an encouraging indicator of both employer appetite and rising interest among young people in vocational routes.
With labour shortages and skills gaps continuing to dominate business discussions, Worcestershire’s apprenticeship community is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset for local growth.
The ceremony, which was hosted by award-winning comedian and writer Shazia Mirza, set a celebratory tone. “Hosting the 2025 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards was an absolute joy,” she said. “The evening was a vibrant tribute to the exceptional people and organisations who are making apprenticeships thrive across in the county. A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners, keep leading the way in championing, delivering, and inspiring others through apprenticeships.”
A showcase of future leaders
Among the 12 winners, Courtney Richards of Roxel Group UK was named both Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year and the overall Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year, while Barrie Beard Ltd secured Medium Apprenticeship Employer of the Year and the highly coveted Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year title.
These successes highlight how apprenticeships are not merely an entry point into work, they are now a sophisticated, employer-driven route for developing specialist skills, leadership potential, and long-term local careers. For 2026, this is exactly the kind of pipeline that businesses say they need.
Building the county’s future workforce
The awards also spotlighted the evolving role of Worcestershire Apprenticeships, which throughout 2025 has expanded its support for both employers and learners. A major step forward is the creation of the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Ambassador Network, designed to share real-world stories and inspire more people to take up apprenticeship opportunities.
With conversations increasingly focused on long-term workforce planning, stability, and productivity, this kind of grassroots advocacy is becoming essential. Apprenticeship ambassadors – current apprentices, mentors, and employers – help break down misconceptions and show how modern apprenticeships are shaping careers in engineering, tech, manufacturing, business services, public sector roles and more.
Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, emphasised the strategic importance of this work. “I would like to congratulate the winners, finalists, and organisers of this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards,” he said. “It was a triumphant night showcasing the strength of our apprenticeship community and the talent driving Worcestershire’s economy.
“I am passionate about seeing more residents take up apprenticeships – they are vital for helping businesses build the skilled workforce they need and for giving people real opportunities to progress.
These awards recognise those investing in new talent and shaping future careers. Well done to all involved for spotlighting our county’s contribution to UK apprenticeship excellence.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Assistant Director for Economy at Worcestershire County Council, said: “A massive congratulations to all the finalists and winners from this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards. With it being such a competitive judging process you should all be immensely proud.
“Our goal is to continue promoting the apprenticeship pathway to help create and develop Worcestershire’s future workforce, and we need the support of more local employers, apprentices and apprentice mentors to grow this in the county via our new ambassador network.”
Looking to 2026: Opportunities and challenges
As businesses navigate rising costs, technological disruption, and shifting generational expectations, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective tools for building resilience. They offer a route to close skills gaps, support innovation, and embed young people in the local economy.
Yet the challenge for 2026 will be ensuring continued employer engagement. It will require more businesses stepping forward as apprenticeship employers, as well as ongoing investment in training infrastructure and mentorship. There also needs to be stronger alignment between skills programmes and future industry needs.
The momentum generated in 2025 provides a strong foundation. And as Worcestershire Apprenticeships expands its outreach into the year ahead, by championing next-generation talent today, the county can build a stronger, more competitive business landscape for tomorrow.
