The DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards will take centre stage at this year’s LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival on 2nd July 2025. These awards honour the outstanding achievements of apprentices in the highways and transport technology sector, celebrating the next generation of industry leaders.
We are proud to partner with a fantastic group of sponsors who share our commitment to recognising emerging talent and supporting the future workforce.
Here’s a closer look at the sponsors behind each award category:
DfT Special Recognition Inspirational Apprentice Award – Sponsored by WJ Group
WJ Group is a leading provider of innovative road marking and safety solutions, delivering products and services that improve road networks across the UK. The company is sponsoring this award to help shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in their roles, inspiring and motivating others through their work.
“We’re proud to sponsor the inaugural DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards at this year’s LCRIG Innovation Festival. At WJ we recognise the vital role Apprentices play in our industry as the leaders of the future, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives, and pushing our sector forward. It’s great that we get this opportunity to celebrate their dedication, talent and hard work in delivering an improved and safer network for all road users, and we are particularly excited that we get to sponsor the most Inspirational Apprentice Award.” Steph Wheat, Head of People at WJ Group
This award honours apprentices who excel in their roles and leave a positive impact on their colleagues, the highways and transport technology sector, and the wider community, acting as role models and ambassadors for the industry.
DfT Special Recognition Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award – Sponsored by Stabilised Pavements Ltd (SPL)
SPL is a specialist in-situ road recycling company, servicing construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of pavements. SPL is proud to support this award, recognising the critical role that frontline apprentices play in delivering efficient and innovative services across the sector.
“Stabilised Pavements are supporting the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards because we realise the importance and value of celebrating achievements within our industry. We have aligned ourselves with the DfT Special Recognition Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award, as we know there is a massive shortage of new people choosing to come into our industry, particularly at the frontline, and apprentices are and will continue to be the key route to attracting people to our exciting and rewarding industry. Acknowledging and celebrating individuals who have performed exceptionally in their apprenticeship will show them the industry really cares and encourage them and others to perform at their very best and further their careers.” Gerry Howe, Managing Director at Stabilised Pavements
This award honours apprentices who demonstrate outstanding skills, dependability, and innovation, making a tangible difference in their teams and communities.
DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 2 Apprenticeship – Sponsored by JCB
JCB is a world-renowned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, including machinery for highways maintenance. The company has chosen to sponsor this award to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of apprentices working towards or completing Level 2 qualifications.
“We at JCB are proud to sponsor the DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award for Level 2 apprentices. Supporting the next generation of skilled workers is at the heart of what we do, and we are honoured to celebrate these apprentices’ hard work, dedication, and exceptional achievements as they build the foundations for a bright future in the industry.” Alex Mcfie-Hyland, UK Government and Municipalities Manager, JCB
The award honours apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication and growth in their apprenticeship, contributing positively to their workplace and wider community.
DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 3 Apprenticeship – Sponsored by SRL Traffic Systems
SRL is a leading manufacturer and supplier of intelligent transport systems and temporary traffic management solutions. The company is sponsoring this award to recognise the dedication and achievements of apprentices who have shown remarkable growth and development in their Level 3 qualifications.
“At SRL, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of talent in the transport sector. Apprentices play a vital role in driving innovation and excellence, and we are proud to sponsor the DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 3 Apprenticeship Award. This category aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing skills, celebrating hard work, and recognising those who go above and beyond in their apprenticeships. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of these exceptional individuals.” Ben Parsons, Business Development Director at SRL
The award honours apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication and growth in their apprenticeship, contributing positively to their workplace and wider community.
DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 4-6 Apprenticeship – Sponsored by Velocity Group
Velocity Group is a specialist in road repair and surface treatment solutions, known for its innovative approaches to extending the life of road infrastructure. The company is supporting this award to recognise the dedication and skills of apprentices completing higher-level qualifications.
“The future of highways and transport technology depends on skilled, forward-thinking professionals. By sponsoring the Special Recognition Award for Level 4-6 apprentices, we are proud to support the next generation of talent driving innovation in our industry.” Dominic Gardner, Managing Director at Velocity Group
The award honours apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication and growth in their apprenticeship, contributing positively to their workplace and wider community.
Inspiring the Future: Attracting Young People to the Highways and Transport Technology Sector – Sponsored by Multevo
Alongside the awards, the Inspiring the Future: Attracting Young People to the Highways and Transport Technology Sector competition offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase innovative ideas that could help address the sector’s ongoing skills shortage.
Multevo is a market leader in sustainable highway maintenance through low emission equipment and digital innovations. The company is sponsoring this competition to support efforts to address the sector’s skills shortage by encouraging creative ideas to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Competition. Having recently taken on 4 apprentices ourselves, we understand the importance of encouraging younger generations into our sector and making highways a career of choice. We’ve previously been involved in initiatives such as the Highways Sector Council’s ‘Way of Life’ campaign and are looking forward to seeing the creative ideas that come to life thanks to this competition.” Aimee Dewse, Marketing Manager at Multevo
This competition invites entrants to submit creative ideas to engage young talent and encourage more people to explore careers in the sector. It provides a platform for innovative approaches that could help attract and inspire the next generation of industry professionals.
The winning entry will receive:
- £1,000 cash prize
- Sector-wide recognition
- A place on the LCRIG Apprenticeship Task Group
Why Enter the Awards?
The DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of apprentices in the sector. Entering the awards can:
- Enhance CVs: Being shortlisted or winning an award provides valuable recognition that stands out on a CV and can enhance future career prospects.
- Recognise Team Success: Apprentices don’t work in isolation. These awards also acknowledge the support, guidance, and opportunities provided by mentors, managers, and colleagues.
- Celebrate Industry Talent: These awards highlight the crucial role apprentices play in shaping the future of the highways and transport technology sector.
Who Can Enter?
The awards are open to apprentices who are currently completing or have recently completed an apprenticeship in the highways and transport technology sector.
- You can enter yourself if you’re an apprentice.
- Employers, mentors, and training providers are also encouraged to nominate apprentices who have made a positive impact.
Key Dates & Entry Information
Submission Deadline: 5pm, Monday 31st March 2025
Awards Presentation: 2nd July 2025, Innovation & Learning Festival, NAEC Stoneleigh
Thank you to all this year’s sponsors for their generous support in making these awards possible!
Join Us at the Innovation & Learning Festival 2025
The LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival is a must-attend industry event that brings together local authorities, industry leaders, and suppliers to explore the latest advancements in highways maintenance and transport technology.
The event will feature live demonstrations, CPD-certified training, facilitated workshops, and indoor and outdoor exhibition, alongside the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards.
To make the event accessible to as many apprentices as possible, fully funded places are available, covering accommodation, transport to and from the hotel to the venue, catering and refreshments.