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Apprenticeship
Awards 2025

Join us in celebrating excellence in Makers tech apprenticeships at our third annual Apprenticeship Awards! These awards pay tribute to the exceptional accomplishments of our tech apprentices, who, alongside their dedicated mentors and managers, are paving the way for the next generation of tech talent in the UK. If you know someone who truly excels in any of the six categories, or if you believe your own achievements warrant recognition, we wholeheartedly encourage you to submit a nomination. Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony on 6 February 2025, just before National Apprenticeship week begins.

Nominations are open to Makers apprentices and line managers or organisations affiliated with Makers.

Nominations are now closed. Keep scrolling to find out more

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Makers Apprenticeship Awards 2025

Makers Apprenticeships

Makers Apprenticeships play a key role in bridging the tech skills gap through specialised training in this fast-evolving sector. Our programmes radiate inclusivity, drawing in a diverse talent pool and igniting innovation within our partnering organisations.

Awards

Rising Star Award

This award recognises apprentices who've made remarkable career strides and hold the promise of even greater achievements. It celebrates outstanding performance and apprentices who inspire others.

Technical Brilliance Award

This award celebrates apprentices for their extraordinary technical prowess, surpassing apprenticeship requirements, executing personal projects, and supporting their peers.

Impact Award

This award celebrates apprentices who've made a meaningful difference in the tech world through starting initiatives, volunteering, blogging, or sharing their inspiring industry journey.

Innovator Award

This award celebrates the apprentice who has  demonstrated outstanding creativity and innovation, contributing to new processes, and embracing challenges with experimental zeal.

Line Manager of the Year Award

This award recognises the exceptional line manager who provides unwavering support for Makers apprentices' in their technical and personal growth.

Mentor of the Year Award

An individual who's made a significant impact on the growth of apprentices. Mentors can be colleagues, dedicated managers, or anyone in your organisation who has been a source of mentorship.

2025 Judges

Ryan Temple
Ryan Temple Head of Software Engineering | Tes

Ryan, a seasoned engineering leader in EdTech, currently heads engineering at Tes after roles at the BBC and Well Pharmacy. At Tes, he develops innovative education software for a global school community. Passionate about social mobility, Ryan is committed to improving technology industry diversity by creating opportunities for underrepresented groups through education.

Su Morgan
Su Morgan Head of Digital & Technology | Ministry of Justice

Su Morgan serves as Head of Digital & Technology for the Office of the Public Guardian, leading a team that delivers crucial digital services to some of society's most vulnerable individuals. In her role as Gender Champion for the Ministry of Justice, Su works to support everyone who seeks to challenge assumptions, including their own, about what they can achieve in their career and personal journey.

James Jefferies
James Jefferies UK Apprenticeship Program Lead | Google

James is the UK Lead for Google's Apprenticeship Program, with over 11 years of experience championing early careers at Google. Passionate about learning and development, he believes apprenticeships offer an invaluable springboard for career growth.

Adam Stewart
Adam Stewart Head of Data Engineering | Compare the Market

With 20+ years in technology, Adam brings deep industry expertise and personal insights from his apprenticeship journey. Passionate about nurturing emerging talent, he celebrates innovation and resilience. As a judge, he looks forward to recognising future industry leaders and supporting their continued success.

Russell Craxford
Russell Craxford Head of Test Engineering | DWP Digital

Russell Craxford is an experienced Programme Test Manager with extensive expertise in financial technology. A passionate tech community member, he co-hosts the Testing Peers podcast and leads testing initiatives at DWP Digital. Skilled in Agile methodologies, release management, and global team leadership, Russell is dedicated to nurturing quality cultures, continuous learning, and supporting emerging testing professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the apprentice categories, nominations are open to any current Makers apprentice or those who have completed their apprenticeship since January 2024.

For the Line Manager and Mentor of the Year awards, there are no specific restrictions. Anyone working with Makers apprentices who meets the criteria is eligible for nomination.

Yes, if the category aligns with that individual, you may enter as many as you feel is appropriate. 

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which will take place in-person at the Gherkin on the evening of 6 February 2025.

The event page is open now and linked at the top of this webpage. The event will be open for you to secure your ticket until 27 January 2025. .

"The age-old saying goes that a great career fit is where passion meets strength meets market need. To settle into that sweet spot takes a lot of life experience. This is the joy of retraining; for so many of us, our best career decisions aren’t made straight out of education, but several years into our working lives — when we know ourselves, and the world around us, a little better”  

– Claudia Harris, CEO | Makers

Claudia Harris