Published: October 23rd, 2026
The fantastic achievements of apprentices and the companies and trainers who support them are being put in the spotlight across the Marches.
The recent Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards (STWAA) and forthcoming Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards give clear evidence of the breadth of talent being developed in the three areas.
The STWAA event earlier this month was a night to remember, with a sell-out audience and winners recognised across apprentice, mentor and employer categories.
The awards highlighted the fact that apprenticeships are playing an increasingly important role in addressing skills shortages, developing future leaders and creating opportunities for people of all ages.
HR star Ellie Pjetri, of Bridgnorth Aluminium, picked up the overall Shropshire Apprentice of the Year title as well as the Business Legal & Finance apprentice trophy, while the overall Telford & Wrekin Apprentice of the Year title went to Jake Burnett from Housing Plus Group, a health and social care apprentice.
Small employer of the year was awarded to Ruby Vehicle Services of Pennerley, while the medium title prize was won by Telford’s Iconsys and Hoshizaki of Telford was named best large employer.
A range of firms including RBSL, Start Tech, Coverage Care, CQS Solutions, Dawley Medical Practice and Shropshire Chamber of Commerce also saw their apprentices honoured.
The event was told that apprenticeships offer a practical solution, allowing businesses to develop talent in-house while building a pipeline of skilled employees for the future. The success stories highlighted at the awards demonstrate just how effective that approach can be when employers, apprentices and training providers work together.
The momentum generated by the Shropshire and Telford event is now set to continue in Herefordshire.
Nominations for the Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2027 will open shortly, with the awards recognising outstanding apprentices, employers and mentors from across the county. New categories for 2027 include new apprenticeship employer of the year, future skills apprenticeship award and employer mentor of the year.
Nominations close on November 3 and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony during National Apprenticeship Week in February 2027. To find out more visit https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/jobs-skills-and-opportunities/herefordshire-apprenticeship-awards-2027/
