About the awards
The Future Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrate the UK’s most ambitious and talented students, the next generation of apprentices who are ready to learn, grow, and make a real impact.
These awards recognise more than just grades. They shine a light on young people who combine curiosity, creativity, and collaboration with the skills and mindset employers are looking for.
Each award is run in partnership with a leading employer who offers exclusive prizes for the winners, from paid internships and global trips to unique learning experiences designed to kickstart your career.
Finalists for each category are invited to an exciting awards ceremony in February, where we celebrate their achievements and announce the winners in style.
Before you apply, please take time to explore all three award categories. You can only enter one, so choose the one that best reflects your skills, goals, and ambitions and start your journey toward becoming the next Future Apprentice of the Year.
The entry process
Your journey starts online. You’ll begin by completing a short application form and up to three online assessments with our partner SHL, a global leader in talent insight, as well as a few questions set by the employer sponsoring your chosen award. These questions help the partner get to know what drives you and what makes you stand out.
The process usually takes around two hours, but you don’t have to do it all in one go; you can save your progress and come back anytime before the January deadline.
The SHL assessments are designed to help you showcase your strengths, how you think, learn, and solve problems. Employers use your results, along with your application, to decide who moves forward to the next stage.
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview or assessment centre led by your award partner. It’s a chance to meet industry experts, connect with other finalists, and experience what it’s like to work in your chosen field. From there, the top ten students in each category are invited to the Future Apprentice of the Year Awards Ceremony in February, where the winners are revealed and celebrated in front of employers, families, and industry leaders.
The targetjobs Future Apprentice of the Year Awards are the only national apprenticeship awards of their kind, and they’re recognised by employers across the UK.
Becoming a finalist (or winner!) isn’t just a title for your CV, it’s a genuine career opportunity. You’ll:
- Experience a real employer assessment process
- Receive professional feedback to help you grow
- Network with top apprenticeship employers
- Gain recognition that could even lead to a job offer
Want to boost your application and stand out from the crowd?
- Read our guide to online application forms
- Master the STAR technique for answering application and interview questions
- Get tips on psychometric tests
- Join one of our exclusive events or webinars
- Research top employers using our organisation hubs
