Building on the long heritage of the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards, which have celebrated apprenticeship achievement for many years, the newly launched Kent Apprenticeship Awards brings together colleges, employers and partners from across the region to recognise outstanding apprentices, alongside the businesses that support them.

Now expanded to reflect the breadth of apprenticeship activity across the whole county, the awards are designed to highlight the important role apprenticeships play in meeting current and future skills needs. They place a strong emphasis on those undertaking apprenticeship programmes, recognising the commitment, progress and contribution apprentices make in their workplaces, as well as the practical skills they develop along the way.

Many of the apprentices recognised through the awards balance work, study and personal commitments, while making a real and tangible contribution to their organisations. The Kent Apprenticeship Awards aim to recognise not only achievement, but the dedication and resilience shown throughout an apprentice’s journey.

Alongside individual success, the awards also celebrate employers who show a strong commitment to running high-quality apprenticeship programmes and investing in future skills for Kent and Medway. These businesses play a vital role in developing talent, sharing expertise and creating opportunities for the next generation.

insideKENT’s very own Sam Ready and Mia Chapman among winners at The East Kent Apprenticeship Awards 2025

Founded by East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College, the awards reflect a shared commitment to putting learners at the centre of skills development and ensuring apprenticeships continue to deliver real benefits for individuals, employers and the wider economy.

Nominations for the 2026 awards will close on Friday 20 March 2026.

Further information, including award categories, nomination details and the 2026 awards programme, is available at ka-awards.co.uk.