The Future of Local Roads: Apprentice Innovation Competition – Sponsored by Map16
Local roads play a vital role in everyday life. They connect people to work, education, healthcare, and essential services, yet they are also under increasing pressure from ageing infrastructure, climate challenges, limited funding, and rising public expectations.
The Future of Local Roads: Apprentice Innovation Competition, led by LCRIG and sponsored by Map16, is calling on apprentices across highways and transport to step forward with ideas that could genuinely improve local roads and the communities that rely on them.
This year’s competition is focused on innovation with clear community impact. It is about practical thinking, fresh perspectives, and solutions that could make local roads safer, more sustainable, more efficient, or more inclusive.
Speaking about their support for the 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.”
What are we looking for?
The competition invites apprentices to identify a highways or transportation-related issue in their local area and put forward ideas that could improve local roads and the communities that rely on them.
That idea could focus on:
- Improving safety, resilience, or sustainability
- Using technology or data in smarter ways
- Reducing environmental impact
- Enhancing maintenance, efficiency, or asset management
- Improving how communities experience and engage with their local road networks
Apprentices are encouraged to think about challenges they see first-hand in their roles or communities and to propose ideas that could realistically be explored, tested, or developed further.
Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas to industry leaders, with winners receiving recognition, the chance to have their concept featured through LCRIG’s platforms and a £1,000 cash prize!
View the criteria and enter here
A platform for new ideas
Supporting innovation at every level of the industry is central to LCRIG’s mission, particularly when it comes to emerging talent. Last year’s apprentice competition demonstrated just how much insight, creativity, and ambition exists across the sector, with a wide range of high-quality ideas submitted.
Speaking about the value of the competition, Kerry Winstanley, Managing Director at LCRIG, said:
“The ideas we saw through last year’s competition were extremely impressive. They showed that innovation can come from anywhere and at any stage of a career. This year’s competition is about building on that momentum and encouraging ideas that have the potential to make a real difference to communities.”
One example of how the competition can support longer-term impact is last year’s competition winner, Leanna Dinnegan, who is now working with LCRIG to bring her initiative, HATT in a Box, to life.
Reflecting on her experience, Leanna said:
“Winning the competition felt incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about recognition, it felt like a moment that validated the importance of investing in young people and promoting careers in highways and transport. As someone who started their journey as an apprentice, I know firsthand how impactful early outreach and support can be. To now be recognised for trying to offer that same support to the next generation is a full-circle moment I’m so proud of.”
Her experience shows how creating space for new ideas can lead to initiatives that have a lasting impact beyond the competition itself.
How to get involved
Whether you’re an apprentice or an employer, there are several ways to take part in and support the competition:
- Apprentices are encouraged to enter and share ideas that could make a meaningful difference in their community
- Employers can support apprentices by encouraging participation and giving them time and space to develop their ideas
Entry Deadline: 5pm, Friday 27th March 2026
If you are an apprentice with an idea that could improve local roads, this is your opportunity to step forward and be heard.
The future of local roads will be shaped by innovation, collaboration, and the people working in the industry today. This competition is your opportunity to be part of that future and to help make a real difference in your community.
View criteria and submit your entry here
Celebrating apprentice talent across the sector
The Apprentice Innovation Competition is one of seven DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards, which are now open for entries. These awards highlight the importance of investing in apprentices and recognising the value they bring to highways and transport.
The winners will be announced at the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards, held during the Innovation & Learning Festival.
Fully funded places available for apprentices at the festival
To ensure access and inclusion, fully funded places are available for apprentices to attend the Innovation & Learning Festival, helping remove barriers to participation and professional development.
Click here to secure a fully funded apprentice place.