Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2026
The annual NI Apprenticeship Awards took place 25 March 2026 at Titanic Hotel. The Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald attended the event to meet the finalists and gave an opening address.
Brochure for the 2026 Awards
Brochure created for the awards ceremony held on 25 March 2026:
Apprenticeship of the Year Awards - Brochure
There were seven Award categories this year
Higher Level Apprentice of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Stephanie Bradford, Danske Bank; Training Provider: Ulster University
- Grace Dugan, Culloden Estate and Spa; Training Provider: South Eastern Regional College
- Kyle Donald, CME Group; Training Provider: Ulster University
Winner
Grace Dugan, Chef, Culloden Estate and Spa.
Mentor of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Brian Welsh, Harland and Wolff (part of Navantia UK); Training Provider: Northern Regional College
- Jo Ferguson, CME Group; Training Provider: Ulster University
- Ian McCormick, CB/Bell Contracts; Training Provider: Impact Training Limited
Winner
Brian Welsh, Harland and Wolff (Navantia UK).
Public Sector Apprentice of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Luis McMaster, Translink NI Railways; Training Provider: Northern Regional College
- Jacob Meekin, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Training Provider: CAFRE
- Harry McClements, Department for Infrastructure; Training Provider: Belfast Met
Winner
Jacob Meekin, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Small to Medium Enterprise Employer of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Sleepy Hollow Group in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College
- Culloden Hotel in partnership with South Eastern Regional College
- Pytilia Limited in partnership with Ulster University
Winner
Sleepy Hollow Group in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College.
Large Employer of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Thales in partnership with Ulster University
- CB Bell Contracts in partnership with Impact Training
- Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) Ltd in partnership with Northern Regional College
Winner
CB Bell Contracts in partnership with Impact Training.
Public Sector Employer of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Police Service of Northern Ireland in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College
- Department of Infrastructure in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College
Winner
Police Service of Northern Ireland in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College.
Apprentice of the Year 2026
Finalists
- Adam Kee, Baxter Prestige; Training Provider: South West College.
- Sam Watt, McGuinness Mechanical Engineering Ltd.; Training Provider: Southern Regional College
- Paula Bamford, Caterpillar; Training Provider: Northern Regional College
Winner
Paula Bamford, Caterpillar.
