Sponsored by Pearson, this category honours an Intermediate Apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional progress, commitment, and achievements in their apprenticeship programme. The winner will have shown outstanding growth in their skills, knowledge and behaviours, and significant contribution to their workplace.

Sponsored by Greater Manchester Colleges Group, this category celebrates an Advanced Apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional progress, dedication, and achievement throughout their apprenticeship journey. The winner will have shown remarkable development in their skills, knowledge and behaviours, and made a meaningful contribution to their organisation.

Sponsored by Rochdale Training, this category celebrates a Higher Apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional progress and achievement. The winner will have shown clear growth in their knowledge, skills and behaviours, as well as making a positive and lasting impact within their organisation or industry.

This category recognises a Degree Apprentice who has excelled in their apprenticeship programme. The winner will have demonstrated outstanding growth in their skills, knowledge and behaviours, and significant contribution to their workplace or industry.

Sponsored by nocn Group, this category celebrates a young learner between the ages 16-19 who has shown remarkable dedication, progress and achievement in their chosen training programme. This winner will have demonstrated strong performance, personal development and commitment to their future career goals.

Sponsored by NCFE, this category recognises an adult learner who has shown exceptional determination, achievement and progress in their training programme. The winner will have demonstrated their commitment to life-long learning and have made significant progress in their personal and professional development.

Sponsored by The Growth Company, the winner of this award is someone who has excelled or is excelling in their chosen training programme and was, or is making a remarkable impact. This award honours those who do or have demonstrated exceptional dedication, persistence, and bring a positive influence within their training environment, workplace, or community. This individual has or may have had to overcome specific challenges or barriers, demonstrating great resilience.

Sponsored by Gateway Qualifications, this category celebrates a Training Provider staff member who has gone above and beyond to champion skills and training, providing a high-quality service. This award celebrates those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support learners, apprentices, employers and colleagues, making a significant impact on the skills sector in GM.

Sponsored by 1st to Achieve, the Team of the Year Award recognises a group of individuals within a Training Provider who have worked collaboratively to achieve exceptional results in skills development or training. This award celebrates a team that demonstrates outstanding teamwork, innovation, and a strong commitment to their shared goals. The winning team will have made a significant impact within their organisation, with the learners and employers they support, showcasing the power of collaboration and collective effort in achieving success.

Sponsored by Edge Foundation, the SME of the Year Award celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises that show outstanding commitment to skills development and employee training. This award honours an SME that demonstrates innovation in training practices, a strong culture of learning, and a positive impact on their workforce. The winning SME will have shown exceptional support for apprenticeships, work placements, and continuous professional development of staff, making significant contributions to advancing skills and fostering growth within Greater Manchester.

Sponsored by the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, the Large Employer of the Year Award recognises a large organisation that demonstrates exceptional dedication to skills development and employee training. This award celebrates a large employer that excels in providing outstanding support for apprenticeships, work placements, and continuous professional development for staff. The winning organisation will have shown a strategic approach to training, fostering a strong culture of learning, and making a significant positive impact on their workforce, industry, and the wider community in Greater Manchester.

Sponsored by Howorth Air Tech, the Community Initiative of the Year Award celebrates a project or programme that has made a significant impact on local communities through skills development or training. This award recognises an initiative that demonstrates innovation, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to addressing community needs. The winning initiative will have successfully empowered individuals, fostered community engagement, and contributed to the overall betterment of their local community.

Sponsored by Unesco, the Partnership Project of the Year Award celebrates a collaborative initiative that demonstrates exceptional success in advancing skills and training through effective partnerships. This award celebrates a project or initiative that brings together stakeholders. Stakeholders could include (but is not limited to) Training Providers (of all types), Employers, Local Authorities, Schools, or other key sector organisations. The winning partnership project will have shown innovation, strong collaboration, and a significant positive impact on learners, the workforce, and the wider community in Greater Manchester.

The Outstanding Contribution to Further Education and Skills Award recognises someone who has dedicated themselves, not just to their own organisation, but to improving the FE and skills system across primarily in Greater Manchester but potentially, the North, and nationally.