Make UK has sponsored a place on the vocL Leader Programme in 2025. Our nominee for the sponsored place will be drawn from either the Business Apprentice Final Year or the Engineering Apprentice Final Year national winners. In addition to winning the award, you will have the opportunity to be selected for the programme, based on your interview at the national judging stage.

Business Apprentice of the Year: Rising Star

This award has been developed for business or commercial apprentices, working within engineering/manufacturing firms, in the early years of their apprenticeship programme.

This award recognises those who have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them so far. The apprentice will have shown significant contribution to support the business activities of their employer, and will show great potential for the remainder of their programme. 

Disciplines include but are not limited to: logistics, supply chain, procurement, project management, HR, business administration.

This award is open to all apprentices (not in their final year of study) currently undertaking a business apprenticeship within the manufacturing sector, completing their apprenticeship in 2025 or beyond.

Read the full entry guidance >

Business Apprentice of the Year: Final Year

This award has been developed for business/commercial apprentices, working within engineering/manufacturing firms, who are in the final year of their apprenticeship programme. 

This award recognises those who have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them throughout their apprenticeship programme, and can show demonstrable timely results. They will have made a significant contribution to the success of the company and are on track for a flourishing career in manufacturing. Additionally, the individual will have used their time as an apprentice to develop and widen their capabilities beyond the scope of the apprenticeship, for example becoming an ambassador for community or campaigning work. 

Disciplines include but are not limited to: logistics, supply chain, procurement, project management, HR, business administration.

This award is open to all apprentices currently undertaking a business apprenticeship within the manufacturing sector, and are completing their apprenticeship in 2024.

Read the full entry guidance >

Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Rising Star

This award has been developed for apprentices who have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them during the early years of their engineering apprenticeship programme. They will have made significant contribution to support the activities of their employer, and will show great potential for the remainder of their apprenticeship.

This award is open to all apprentices (not in their final year of study) currently undertaking an engineering apprenticeship within the manufacturing sector, completing their apprenticeship in 2025 or beyond.

Read the full entry guidance >

Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Final Year

This award has been developed for apprentices who have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them during the final year of their engineering apprenticeship programme, and can show demonstrable timely results. They will have made a significant contribution to the success of the company and are on track for a flourishing career in manufacturing. Additionally, the individual will have used their time as an apprentice to develop and widen their capabilities beyond the scope of the apprenticeship, for example becoming an ambassador for community or campaigning work.

This award is open to all apprentices currently undertaking an engineering apprenticeship within the manufacturing sector, and are completing their apprenticeship in 2024.

Read the full entry guidance >

Apprentice Endeavour Award 

This award has been developed to recognise a hard-working and dedicated apprentice who has engaged with their apprenticeship programme despite adverse circumstances. It acknowledges their determination to participate in the programme to their highest ability and to show great progress on their individual journey.

This award is open to all apprentices currently undertaking an apprenticeship within the manufacturing sector, completing their apprenticeship in 2024 or beyond.

Read the full entry guidance >