With just two weeks to go until the return of the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2026 and the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the organisations supporting this year’s awards and helping us celebrate the next generation of talent across the highways and road infrastructure technology sector.
Their sponsorship demonstrates a shared commitment to recognising the achievements of apprentices, championing skills development, and investing in the future of our sector.
Triopsis – Sponsor of the DfT Special Recognition Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award
Recognising those making a difference on the front line every day, Triopsis is sponsoring the Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award.
Andy Hutt, CEO of Triopsis, said:
“Triopsis is delighted to support the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards and to sponsor the Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award. Frontline apprentices make a real difference every day, keeping our transport networks safe and running smoothly. This award reflects our commitment to recognising dedication, practical skills and the next generation of talent across the sector.”
WJ Group – Sponsor of the DfT Special Recognition Inspirational Apprentice Award
A long-standing supporter of apprenticeships and industry development, WJ Group is sponsoring the Inspirational Apprentice Award, as well as the Evening Networking Event at this year’s awards.
Wayne Johnston, CEO of WJ Group, said:
“We’re proud to be sponsoring the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards once again at this year’s LCRIG Innovation Festival. Apprentices continue to play a vital role in our industry, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and helping to shape the future of our sector. It’s a real privilege to recognise and celebrate their dedication, talent and hard work in supporting the delivery of a safer more efficient road network for all road users, and we’re delighted to sponsor the Inspirational Apprentice Award once again.”
TRL – Sponsor of the DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 2 Apprenticeship
TRL is supporting apprentices at the beginning of their career journey through sponsorship of the Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Stephen Lynn, Marketing Director at TRL, said:
“TRL is proud to sponsor the Department for Transport Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 2 Apprenticeship at this year’s LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival. This award celebrates the dedication, hard work and achievements of apprentices who are making a valuable contribution to the future of our industry. We would like to congratulate all of the shortlisted nominees on reaching the final and wish each of them the very best of luck. Their commitment to learning, development and excellence is truly inspiring, and they should be immensely proud of this achievement.”
UK-APPHE – Sponsor of the DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 3 Apprenticeship
The UK Association of Asphalt Pavement and Highway Engineering (UK-AAPHE) is sponsoring the Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Nick Thom, Lecturer at the University of Nottingham, said:
“The stated mission of UK-AAPHE is “To promote research, innovation, and education in pavement and highway engineering by fostering collaboration between UK universities, industry, and government”. Apprenticeships embody education in a truly collaborative context and are absolutely in line with this mission. Apprentices of today are the expert highway engineers of tomorrow. We therefore have great pleasure in sponsoring the DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 3 Apprenticeship.”
Multevo – Sponsor of the DfT Special Recognition Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 4-6 Apprenticeship
Returning as a sponsor for 2026, Multevo is supporting higher-level apprentices through the Outstanding Achievement Award – Level 4–6 Apprenticeship.
Aimee Dewse, Marketing Manager at Multevo, said:
“Multevo are proud to once again sponsor the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards. Following on from last year’s ceremony it is clear to see apprentices are vital to the industry’s future, bringing a fresh outlook and new ideas to the table. They deserve celebrating and the Innovation & Learning Festival makes the ideal opportunity to do this.”
National Highways – Sponsor of the DfT Special Recognition Excellence in Apprenticeship Delivery – Employer Award 2026
National Highways is championing the organisations that make apprenticeships possible through sponsorship of the Excellence in Apprenticeship Delivery – Employer Award.
Dr. Ghaith Al-Werikat, Head of Sector Development at National Highways, said:
“National Highways is proud to sponsor the DfT Special Recognition Excellence in Apprenticeship Delivery – Employer Award 2026. These awards spotlight the measurable impact that apprentices bring to our industry. Crucially, they celebrate the forward-thinking employers who invest heavily to build a more skilled, innovative, and resilient workforce across our sector.”
Map16 Asset Management – Sponsor of the Future of Local Roads: Apprentice Innovation Competition
Recognising the importance of fresh thinking and practical problem-solving, map16 Asset Management is sponsoring the Future of Local Roads: Apprentice Innovation Competition.
Roberto Bello, Managing Director at map16, said:
“We chose to sponsor the ‘Future of Local Roads: Apprentice Innovation Competition’ because it reflects the direction our industry must take. Local road networks are under growing pressure and changing expectations while skills and resources are diminishing. Positive progress will come from employing people who understand how to combine technical skill with fresh thinking. Our work with infrastructure companies and local authorities shows that innovation grounded in real-world data can transform asset performance. Apprentices who can approach these challenges with curiosity and practical insight are exactly the talent the sector needs. Supporting this award is a direct investment in the future capability of our industry.”
Join Us for the Celebration
The winners of the 2026 DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards will be revealed on 24 June 2026 during a special evening networking event at the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival, taking place at NAEC Stoneleigh from 24-25 June 2026.
The awards ceremony will bring together industry leaders, local authorities, suppliers and innovators to celebrate outstanding achievement, dedication and innovation across the apprenticeship community.
Find out more and book your place.
A huge thank you to all of our award sponsors for their continued support and commitment to developing the talent that will shape the future of our sector.
Congratulations to all nominees and shortlisted finalists. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and announcing this year’s winners on 24 June.