Apprentice of the year
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Category Definition & Guidelines
To assist you with this application the judges have provided some guidelines.
When providing your answers, the “For Example”/guidelines we have suggested for each question are not intended to be exhaustive. They are designed as examples and prompts to help you understand the judges’ requirements. It is important that where you state that you have evidence in support of the specific question you are answering, you need to provide that evidence – usually, a generic brochure or company overview is not sufficient.
Download a category information guide here.
Additional Information
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Focus of the category
The Apprentice of the Year Award recognises outstanding final-year or recently completed manufacturing apprentices who have demonstrated excellence across all aspects of their training, workplace performance, and professional development.
Judges will look for apprentices who:
Guidance for Applicants
Throughout your application, please provide clear evidence to support your claims. Generic marketing materials (e.g., company brochures) are not sufficient.
Where appropriate, you may attach photographs, project documents, presentations, or other materials to the online application form. All attachments must be clearly labelled, including the relevant criterion number they support.
Supervisor Endorsement Required:
It is mandatory that your supervisor reviews your application and provides input. Both the applicant and the supervisor must tick the acknowledgment checkboxes on the online form before submission.
Word Limit: Please restrict each response to 300 words or fewer.
Judging criteria & Values
Question 1:
Planning and understanding of career pathways
Judging Criteria
- Why did you choose this apprenticeship to establish your career?
- How does this apprenticeship fit into your long-term professional goals?
(You may include specific examples or milestones that shaped your decision.)
Value:
15/100
Question 2:
Resilience and Persistence
Judging Criteria
- What aspects of your apprenticeship resulted in the greatest professional and personal growth and satisfaction?
- Share a particular project or experience that demonstrates your resilience and persistence - highlight how you overcame obstacles or setbacks.
Value:
20/100
Question 3:
Personal Development and Integrity
Judging Criteria
- What personal skills or values have you developed through your apprenticeship?
- How do you apply these skills beyond the workplace (e.g., in your community, sports, education, or family life)?
Value:
10/100
Question 4:
Leadership
Judging Criteria
- How have you acted as a leader or role model within your trade or industry?
- In what ways have you inspired or supported others (e.g., mentoring, teamwork, initiative-taking)?
- How would you represent manufacturing to the next generation of apprentices considering this career path?
Value:
20/100
Question 5:
Team Leadership
Judging Criteria
- What aspect of the apprenticeship model of learning worked best for you?
- How would you explain the benefits of the apprenticeship model to a potential apprentice?
- Consider a real-life example where teamwork and mentorship made a difference for you.
Value:
20/100
Question 6:
Drive and Enthusiasm
Judging Criteria
- What are your future professional plans now that you have completed (or are nearing completion of) your apprenticeship?
- How do you plan to continue growing and contributing to the manufacturing industry?
Value:
15/100
Application Guide & tips
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