Showcasing Excellence: The B&FC Apprenticeship Awards 2026

Published on 08/06/2026 by DBUCK

Awards news

Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) celebrated the achievements of apprentices, employers and partners at its flagship Apprenticeship Awards 2026.

Held at Blackpool Football Club on 4 June, the awards brought together apprentices, employers, partners and civic leaders for an evening dedicated to recognising outstanding talent, ambition and the transformative power of apprenticeships.

Highlighting the breadth and quality of apprenticeship provision across B&FC, the ceremony recognised 45 nominees across 15 categories.

With around 150 nominations received, the finalists were selected through a rigorous shortlisting and judging process with candidates assessed through interviews and discussion by panels made up of employers, partners and college representatives.

The Apprenticeship Awards are built on strong employer partnerships with businesses across the region playing a key role in supporting apprentices to develop and succeed.

B&FC extends its sincere thanks to it sponsors and partners: Morgan Sindall Construction (Headline Sponsor) and The Vella Group (Reception Sponsor )

We also extend our appreciation to the category award sponsors and partners who supported the event, including: Coastal Radio DAB, Sales Geek, Shout Network, Bambers Building Contractors, AFD Systems, Code Galaxy, ARC Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre, Clifton Arms Hotel, Victrex, NHS Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, West Lancashire Group, Addison, Blackpool Council, Marketing Lancashire and Partington’s.

Their collective support reflects the strength of collaboration between education and industry, helping to develop the skilled workforce of the future.

Future B&FC Apprenticeship Awards ceremonies will align with National Apprenticeship Week, with the next event scheduled to take place on Tuesday 9 February, 2027.

A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony. A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.
A group of candidates and winners proudly poses in front of a purple banner at the Apprenticeship awards ceremony.

View Event Photos
 

B&FC Apprenticeship Award Winners 2026

Employer Awards
  • Large Employer of the Year – Park Community Academy
  • SME Employer of the Year – Bambers Building Contractors
  • Mentor of the Year – Marc Thomas (CaviTech Solutions)
Apprentice Sector Awards
  • Construction Apprentice of the Year – Cameron Clemson (EDC Electrical & Developments)
  • Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Ryan Snaith (Hacketts Bodyshop)
  • Digital Apprentice of the Year – Tayyab Shahid (Vodafone)
  • Professional Services Apprentice of the Year – Layla Fowler (Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust)
  • Service Sector Apprentice of the Year – Abbie Schofield (Lakeside Kitchen, Hydrotherapy and Sensory Room)
  • STEM Apprentice of the Year – Calum Wraith (Ameon)
  • Health, Education and Public Sector Apprentice of the Year – Bethany Whiteside (Blackpool Fylde District Nurses)
Overall Apprentice Awards
  • Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Jack Lawson (Cross Keys Inn)
  • Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Layla Fowler (Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust)
  • Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year – Natalie Humphreys (Lancaster University)
Special Awards
  • Rising Star Award – Bobby Cavanagh (Rowlock Construction)
  • Against All Odds Award – Joseph Fryer (Airis Energy Solutions)