East Midlands Freeport celebrated the apprentices, employers and training providers helping to build our region’s future workforce at a regional awards ceremony.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Nottingham, the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards brought together businesses, education providers and apprentices from across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire for an evening of recognition, networking and celebration.
As headline sponsor, East Midlands Freeport was proud to support an event that highlighted the talent, commitment and ambition helping to strengthen the East Midlands economy.
The event saw 14 category awards handed out to apprentices and business to honour the success of the region’s apprenticeship network.
Celebrating skills and opportunity
The awards recognised the breadth of the region’s apprenticeship community, from individuals taking their first steps into work to employers investing in their people and training providers supporting learners to develop their skills and confidence.
The event highlighted the vital role apprenticeships play in creating opportunities for people, helping businesses access the talent they need and building the skilled workforce required for the region’s future growth.
With strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, logistics, engineering and digital technology, the East Midlands is well placed to attract investment and create new opportunities. Ensuring local people can access the skills needed for these roles will be central to delivering lasting benefit across the region.
Supporting the future workforce
Tom Newman-Taylor, Chief Executive of East Midlands Freeport, reiterated the Freeport’s pride at being headline sponsor and joining the region’s apprenticeship community in celebrating so many outstanding achievements.
“The event was a strong reminder of the talent, commitment and potential that exists across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire,” he said.
“Apprenticeships are central to building a stronger, more skilled and more inclusive East Midlands, helping people access rewarding careers while giving employers the skills they need to grow and innovate.
“As the Freeport works to unlock investment and create new employment opportunities, we want to ensure local people are well placed to benefit. It was a privilege to recognise the individuals and organisations helping to make that happen.”
The Freeport also sponsored the Manufacturing and Engineering Apprentice award which was awarded to Jimmie Warburton, from Gecon, and the University of Derby.
East Midlands Freeport’s involvement in the awards reflects its wider commitment to supporting skills, inclusion and opportunity alongside investment and development. Apprenticeships are essential to ensuring local people have the skills, qualifications and confidence to access these opportunities as the region grows.
By working with employers, education providers and training organisations, the Freeport is helping to create clearer pathways into employment and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by local communities. An example of this is the Skills and Communities Fund – the second round of which was launched last month.
The deadline to apply is tomorrow – Tuesday 6 October, 2026. Find out more here.