NFCC Apprenticeship Awards 2026

We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the National Fire & Rescue Apprenticeship Awards 2026.

The Awards will take place at The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham, on Thursday 12 March 2026.

These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, commitment, and impact of apprentices, employers, and training providers across the Fire and Rescue Sector.

Nominations are now open and the deadline for nominations is 5pm, Friday 30th January 2026.

Award Categories

There are seven award categories open for nomination:

• Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year
• Operational Apprentice of the Year (Nominees must be current apprentices or have completed their apprenticeship in 2025)
• Apprenticeship Provider of the Year
• Excellence in Apprenticeship Support
• Inclusion Champion Award
• Outstanding Apprenticeship Achievement Award
• Apprenticeship Champion Award

Full details of each category and eligibility criteria can be found within the nomination form.

How to Apply

• Please submit one nomination form per entry
• You are welcome to submit multiple nominations
• The deadline for submissions is strictly Friday 30 January at 5:00pm

Applicants may submit:

• Up to one A4 page of supporting evidence, and
• A photograph of the nominee (with their permission for use)

Shortlisting & Awards Dinner

Shortlisted nominees will be notified by 9 February 2026 and will then have the opportunity to book tickets for the Awards Dinner in Birmingham, where winners will be announced.

We encourage you to recognise and celebrate the individuals, teams, and organisations who go above and beyond to support and deliver high-quality apprenticeships within the Fire and Rescue Sector.

Thank you for your continued commitment to developing apprentices and shaping the future of our profession.

Sponsorship packages

Information on sponsorship and exhibiting at the event can be found here. If you would like to discuss attendance please email the team at events@nfcc.org.uk

Cancellation

Delegates – within 7 working days of the event no refunds can be provided.
Exhibitors – We are unable to accept stand cancellations within 21 workings days of the event.