Celebrating the achievements of local apprentices and the employers who support them will take centre stage this autumn, at a new Perth and Kinross awards ceremony which will shine a spotlight on the power of work-based learning to transform lives and strengthen the local economy.
The Perth and Kinross Apprentice Awards 2025, developed in partnership by Perth and Kinross Council, Skills Development Scotland (opens new window), Developing the Young Workforce Tay Cities (opens new window), Perthshire Chamber of Commerce (opens new window) and UHI Perth (opens new window), opened for entries on Monday 14 July and will close on Friday 8 August 2025.
The awards aim to highlight the value of apprenticeships to individuals, businesses and the wider economy, and to encourage more local nominations for the national Scottish Apprenticeship Awards later this year.
Award categories include:
- Foundation Apprentice of the Year
- Modern Apprentice (SCQF Level 5) of the Year
- Modern Apprentice (SCQF Level 6+) of the Year
- Graduate Apprentice of the Year
- Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
Winners will be announced at a celebration event in early September, ahead of the national awards.
As of 31 March 2025, there were 981 Modern Apprentices in training across Perth and Kinross. In the past year alone, 654 new apprenticeships were supported by Skills Development Scotland, with nearly 60% of those aged 16-24. The local Modern Apprenticeship achievement rate stands at an impressive 84.1%.
Thomas Glen, Chief Executive of Perth and Kinross, said: "The Perth and Kinross Apprentice Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the achievements of our local apprentices and the employers who support them. Apprenticeships offer young people a valuable route into rewarding careers, and these awards allow us to celebrate that success and the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and our wider community."
Maxine Scott, Skills Development Scotland said: "Apprenticeships support individuals, employers and Perthshire's economy offering high quality opportunities for people to gain valuable skills that support them throughout their career and meet local industry demands now and for the future."
Vicki Unite, Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Apprenticeships are a powerful force for growth - for individuals, for businesses, and for our region as a whole. These new awards are a brilliant opportunity to shine a spotlight on the talent, dedication and potential that exists right here in Perth and Kinross. We're proud to be part of a partnership that's committed to celebrating the achievements of our apprentices and the employers who support them."
Lesley English, Regional Lead, Developing the Young Workforce Tay Cities, said: "Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), is delighted to be a key partner in driving these awards forward. DYW's continued commitment to connecting young people with meaningful career opportunities is integral to the event's mission: to recognise and reward those making a difference across the apprenticeship landscape. This event is about more than just awards, it's about celebrating the impact apprenticeships have—not just on individuals, but on the businesses and communities they serve. We're proud to support the next generation of skilled professionals."
Sarah-Jane Urquhart, National Training Programmes Manager, UHI Perth, said: ''UHI Perth is proud to be part of the strong partnership supporting the Perth and Kinross Apprentice Awards, celebrating the achievements of apprentices and their employers across the region. This partnership reflects our commitment to skills development and lifelong learning, and we are excited to help shine a light on the value of apprenticeships. These awards highlight how apprenticeships not only equip individuals with practical, career ready skills but also strengthen local businesses and communities."
To enter the awards complete the simple online nomination form:
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