Dorset, Education | Posted on March 19th, 2026 | return to news

Still time to enter Dorset Apprenticeship Awards

Friday 27 March is the deadline for entries to this year’s event organised by Dorset Chamber and the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network.

Employers, providers, apprentices and supported interns have until Friday 27 March to enter this year’s Dorset Apprenticeship Awards.

Dorset Chamber has joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) for the fifth annual awards, which are sponsored by Ferndown-based manufacturing firm Superior Seals Limited.

There are five 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 
Level 6 or 7 (Degree) Apprentice of the Year

Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate success and recognise the hard work, dedication and achievements of apprentices and supported interns.

“It enables employers to show pride in their organisation and highlight their commitment to developing talent and investing in skills, while rewarding outstanding individuals and giving apprentices the recognition they deserve.

“They are also a way of gaining positive exposure for a business, training provider or programme, as well as inspiring other employers and individuals to engage with apprenticeships and supported internships.”

The awards ceremony will be held at Superior on 29 May.

Entrants must be currently undertaking an apprenticeship or supported internship and have completed their programme by 29 May. They should live or work in Dorset, although employers may be based outside the county.

Last year’s winners were: Alfie Blake from BCP Council/SWRAC in the Supported Internship Award; Morgan Simpson from Nusura Thai Fire Kitchen/Bournemouth and Poole College in the Intermediate Apprenticeship Award; Jack Lant from Poole Accident Repair/RWC Training and Skillnet in the Advanced Apprenticeship Award; Aleasha Ellis from Bluebird Care/t2 group in the Higher Level Apprenticeship Award; and Sarah Matthias from University Hospitals Dorset/Bournemouth University in the Degree Level Apprenticeship Award.

Visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/dorset-apprenticeship-awards-2026/ for more details and how to enter.