• This year is the 20th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Awards  
  • New award for 2023 will celebrate employers who have gone the extra mile to develop, approve, review and revise apprenticeships in partnership with IfATE

IfATE is calling for businesses to submit applications for a special award we are introducing to celebrate employers’ pivotal role in transforming apprenticeships for the better. 

It will complement the current suite of awards hosted by the Department for Education, which feature five other categories including one that celebrates employers who are committed to implementing apprenticeships within their organisation and one that recognises individuals who promote apprenticeships as an excellent career route and a way to boost business success.  

Since IfATE was set up in 2017, thousands of employers large and small have been working hard behind the scenes to build the architecture of the skills system by setting the training standards apprentices work towards. Our new award will celebrate the outstanding reach and impact of their work, including efforts made to instigate innovation; prioritise green skills and diversity; and secure consensus and support. 

Jennifer Coupland, chief executive at IfATE, said: "Apprenticeships in England have reached an unprecedented level of quality and are doing a better job than ever before of filling the nation’s skills gaps. This is all thanks to the collective contributions of numerous employers, both large and small. They are unsung heroes, and we are honoured to introduce this new award in recognition of their hard work. We encourage all businesses who have played their part to enter."   

The employer-led approach is the best way of guaranteeing quality and ensuring all apprenticeships fill the economy’s skills gaps. It also benefits apprentices because they can be confident they are learning what businesses really need and value. Over 670 apprenticeships are now available for use at all skills levels and serving occupations and sectors right across the economy. 

Applications for our new award open today (June 7) and close on July 28, 2023. It will be presented as part of the Department for Education’s usual suite of National Apprenticeship Awards on November 29, at the National Ceremony and celebrated with a Gala dinner.  

To submit an application, visit the DfE website.