Apprentice Awards Ceremony 2026

Following on from 2024’s highly successful Durham City Freemen Apprentice Awards Programme, this year’s awards programme is now well underway, with over twenty-five nominations is being whittled down by the Judging Panel.

It is pleasing to note that this year’s nominations have been even more diverse than last year, with twenty percent of the apprentices nominated being female, as well as nominations being received directly from Durham Cathedral and from several small independent businesses, including Aldersons, Nicholson and Sons, Johnson Heating & Plumbing, and Focus Joinery.

Further testament to the growth and diversity of the apprentice award scheme is reflected in the backgrounds of the students put forward. Starting at level 1 through to level 6, from York College to New College Durham, from first year students to apprentices that have been forced to break their training before being able to complete their apprenticeship journey with a new employer.

Supporting and rewarding apprentices who work, live or train within the city boundaries is something that we believe is fundamental to the foundations of Durham City Freemen and the Apprenticeship Award Scheme is a positive beginning in reaffirming the Freemen of Durham as the custodians of the City’s trade heritage.