Celebrating talent and recognising excellence
Nominations are now open!
Our fifth Built Environment Apprenticeship Awards will take place at Cavendish Square, London in February 2026. This is the UK’s only university-led awards ceremony dedicated exclusively to apprenticeships in the built environment.
It is an evening of celebration and recognition for our apprentices, and also honours the employers and University staff who champion the next generation of built environment professionals.
Deadline for nominations is midday 1 December 2025.
Categories
Employer Representative
Nominees for this category will be for an individual who supports apprentices or champions apprenticeships within their organisation and has learners studying with the University.
For example, they may be a line manager who has provided exceptional support to their apprentice/s, an HR manager who has developed an outstanding apprenticeship programme, or a senior leader who has made a valuable contribution related to apprenticeships. There are three categories to choose from:
- Large Employer - companies with more than 250 employees
- SME - companies with less than 250 employees
- Public Sector
Apprentice of the Year
Two awards are available: one for an apprentice studying on a postgraduate degree and one for an apprentice studying on an undergraduate degree.
This category is for any current apprentice in the second year or above who has made an outstanding contribution during their apprenticeship either through academic excellence in their degree or significant contribution in their workplace.
Eligible apprentices will have started their studies on or before spring 2024 and will be a current apprentice as of February 2026.
Rising Star
This category is for an apprentice who has really hit the ground running in their first year of study and has either made a big impact in their workplace or made significant achievements in their academic study.
Eligible apprentices will have started their academic year in 2024-2025.
University Staff Member
This category is for any member of staff at the University that has made a significant contribution towards the development of apprenticeships, including exceptional support to an apprentice, championing apprenticeships within the workplace or in service to apprenticeships.
Please note that only apprentices and employers can nominate for this category.
The following award will also be presented on the night:
Vice-Chancellor’s Choice
This award winner is chosen by Vice-Chancellor, Ashley Wheaton, from the categories of Apprentice of the Year and Rising Star and presented to someone who is demonstrating all the University’s core values of Passion, Excellence, Integrity and Support.
Important dates
- 1 October 2025: Nominations open
- 1 December 2025: Nomination window closes at midday
- December 2025: Shortlisting
- January 2026: Shortlisters announced
- 12 February 2026: Awards ceremony
Meet the panel
Our judging panel will meet in December to determine the shortlist and select the winners. To ensure a fair process, all personal and company information is redacted during judging and entries are judged solely on the quality of the submission.
Ashley Wheaton
Vice Chancellor – University of the Built Environment
Christopher Costigan
Principal and Chief Executive Officer – Bird College
Kim Davies
Director of Marketing, Brand and Communications – University of the Built Environment
Renata Dzwonkowska
Apprenticeship Funding and Compliance Manager – University of the Built Environment
Roy Albert
University Alumni
Technical Lead – Valuation Office Agency
For any questions about the awards please email events@ube.ac.uk
