Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
Celebrating the best in work-based learning
We're excited to announce this year's Scottish Apprenticeship Awards finalists!
The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards showcase apprentices, employers and learning providers from across the country and a range of sectors.
Award categories celebrate the incredible work of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices. They also recognise the exceptional organisations who champion and support apprenticeships.
We'll reveal the winners at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which will take place at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, on Thursday 26 February 2026 as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
If you have any questions or would like to find out about opportunities to sponsor the awards, please email scotappawards@sds.co.uk.
This year's finalists
Foundation Apprentice of the Year
This award celebrates the dedication and achievements of school pupils who have completed a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Finalists
Hannah Magill, Social Services: Children and Young People
Employer: Fishermoss Primary School
Learning provider: North East Scotland College
Hayden Hunter, Civil Engineering
Employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
Learning provider: Working4U
Kaci Newall, Food and Drink Technologies
Employer: Lactalis
Learning provider: Dumfries and Galloway Council and SDC-Learn
Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5
This award celebrates the dedication and achievements of Modern Apprentices who have achieved a qualification at SCQF Level 5.
Finalists
Katy Wright, Food and Drink Operations
Employer: Diageo
Learning provider: Fife College
Oliver Redgwell Welch, Professional Cookery
Employer: Entier Ltd
Learning provider: Hospitality Training
Samantha Agnes Anderson, Rural Skills
Employer: Muiravonside Country Park
Learning provider: Falkirk Council
Modern Apprentice of the Year Level 6+
This award celebrates the dedication and achievements of Modern Apprentices who have achieved a qualification at SCQF Level 6 and above.
Finalists
Alice Fairbairn, Craft Apprenticeship – Fitter
Employer: SP Energy Networks
Learning provider: Forth Valley College
Chase Zanoni, Travel Services
Employer: Hays Travel
Learning provider: Hays Travel
Ethan Cheung, Providing Financial Services
Employer: AXA Insurance
Learning provider: BPP Education Group
Graduate Apprentice of the Year
This category celebrates the dedication and impact of apprentices who have completed a Graduate Apprenticeship and made a significant contribution to their organisation's performance.
Finalists
Alasdair McMonagle, Engineering: Design and Manufacture
Employer: BAE Systems
Learning provider: University of Strathclyde
Angus Henderson, IT: Software Development
Employer: JPMorganChase
Learning provider: University of Strathclyde
Fraser Bruce, Engineering: Design and Manufacture
Employer: JFD Global
Learning provider: Heriot-Watt University
Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year
This award celebrates the commitment of apprentices who are supporting and working towards Scotland's climate change ambitions and target of net zero emissions by 2045.
Finalists
Dylan Burke, Engineering
Employer: Ri Cruden Ltd
Learning provider: Glasgow Kelvin College
Jonathan Marshall, Construction and the Built Environment
Employer: SSEN Transmission
Learning provider: Robert Gordon University
Kiera Wright, Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control
Employer: AES Solar
Learning provider: Robert Gordon University
SME Employer of the Year
This award celebrates the commitment to apprenticeships by SME employers, including public sector, with fewer than 250 employees.
Finalists
AES Solar
Forres
Procast Group
Hamilton
Wise Owls Nursery and Out of School Club
Moffat
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Large Employer of the Year
This award celebrates the commitment to apprenticeships by large employers, including public sector, with 250 or more employees.
Finalists
Persimmon Homes
Glasgow
Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd
Prestwick
SP Energy Networks
Glasgow
Leading in Learning Provision
This category celebrates the significant role of learning providers in supporting apprentices to train, develop and achieve their full potential.
Finalists
BAE Systems
Glasgow
M I Technologies Ltd
Glasgow
Xtra-Mile.com
Edinburgh