11th February 2026 | 12:30-1:30pm | Live Online
LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!
We’re beyond excited to launch the Diverse Futures Annual Apprenticeship Awards 2026! Born from the success of the Blue Sky Awards, this is our first ceremony fully under the Diverse Futures banner – bigger, bolder, and designed to celebrate the people shaping the future of work.
These awards shine a spotlight on apprentices, managers, and employers who go above and beyond – those who innovate, inspire, and support their teams to achieve greatness.
The countdown begins
About the Awards
The Diverse Futures Annual Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the stories that matter: growth, resilience, innovation, and impact.
Last year’s Blue Sky ceremony was full of pride, inspiration, and achievement, and now we elevate the experience for all apprentices and employers across our network.
This virtual event is inclusive and accessible, so whether you’re at your desk, on a lunch break, or joining as a team, you can cheer, celebrate, and connect in real time.
Why Nominate?
Nominating someone is more than recognition – it’s a way to celebrate effort, inspire excellence, and amplify the voices of those who make a difference.
Whether you’re an apprentice, line manager, or employer, there’s an award category to honour those who:
Take initiative and make an impact
Show courage, resilience, and growth
Champion inclusion, sustainability, and fairness
Support, mentor, and empower apprentices
2026 Award Categories
Eight awards to celebrate every kind of impact:
The Impact Award – Apprentices creating meaningful change
The Courage Award – Resilience and determination in action
The Inclusion Award – Champions of fairness, belonging and respect
The Purpose Award – Apprentices making a positive impact on people and the planet
The Excellence Award – For apprentices upskilling and raising the bar
The Growth Award – For early career apprentices making strides
The Boldness Award – Leaders who advocate for apprenticeships
The Partnership Award – Employers going above and beyond
Join us in celebrating
How to Get Involved
Nominate an apprentice or manager who inspires, supports, or leads.
Share the news – tell colleagues, line managers, and apprentices to participate.
Join the ceremony – mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate on the 11th of February 2026!
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for:
Nominee spotlights
Behind-the-scenes updates
Ceremony reminders
Let’s make this Diverse Futures Awards 2026 a celebration to remember – because every achievement, big or small, deserves to shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Diverse Futures Annual Apprenticeship Awards?
The Diverse Futures Annual Apprenticeship Awards is an annual event celebrating the achievements and hard work of your apprentices and employers over the past year. It’s an opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions across various categories.
When will the Diverse Futures Annual Apprenticeship Awards take place?
The awards will take place on Wednesday 11th February 2026, during National Apprenticeship Week! This will be a live virtual event hosted by Diverse Futures at 12:30pm-1:30pm.
How can I get involved with the awards?
You can get involved in a variety of ways! Nominate one of your peers using the ‘Nominate here’ buttons on this page. Keep an eye on our socials and like, comment and share our posts!
Who is eligible for the awards?
The awards celebrates both apprentices and employers who have shown exceptional dedication, innovation and contribution throughout the year. Check out the criteria for each award by clicking the ‘Categories and Criteria’ buttons on this page.
Please note, the nominee must be a Diverse Futures (Blue Sky) apprentice or an apprenticeship coordinator/line manager/mentor between the dates of 01/01/2025 and 31/12/2025.
How can I nominate someone for an award?
Nominating someone for an award is a quick and easy process! Just click on the ‘Nominate here’ buttons on this page which will direct you to an online form to complete. Remember to look at the criteria for each award to help you when nominating!
Who can nominate for the awards?
To ensure nominations are grounded in real achievements, only nominations from employees of Diverse Futures (Blue Sky) clients and Diverse Futures (Blue Sky) employees are eligible.
A Blue Sky Assessing and Consultancy company
Diverse Futures
