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Cornwall
Apprenticeship
Awards sponsors
2026
A huge thank you to our sponsors, supporters and partners from across the Cornish business community, without whom the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards would not be possible.
Headline Sponsor
Hertzian
Hertzian started development in 2015 and is recognised by the UK government as one of the country’s leading AI companies with clients like the NHS, Warner Brothers and Pinewood Studios. Hertzian specialises in identifying the context within their customer's digital discussion using tailored, industry-leading Machine Learning & Natural Language applications.
Award Partner Sponsor - Achiever of the year
sponsorship available
Award Partner Sponsor - Rising Star
Cornwall Manufacturers Group
Cornwall Manufacturers Group comprises a group of approximately 50 companies, and assists and promotes manufacturing in Cornwall. We assist in training, skills and sharing of best practise.
Erin Nicholls, CEO Cornwall Manufacturers Group: "Apprenticeships are key to the future of all businesses and vital to developing the workforce of the future, so recognising and celebrating these fantastic people is very important.”
Award Partner Sponsor
watson marlow fluid technology solutions
Watson-Marlow is a global leader in fluid management technology, specialising in peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies. With over 60 years of expertise, the company delivers innovative and high-quality solutions across diverse industries including biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water and wastewater, and chemicals. Watson-Marlow prides itself on its commitment to excellence, reliability, and sustainability, providing customers with precise and efficient fluid handling systems that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. Based in Falmouth, Cornwall, Watson-Marlow is dedicated to fostering local talent and contributing to the community’s economic growth and development.
Brian Hooper, General Manager of Watson-Marlow: "As a company, we at Watson-Marlow believe in investing in the future of Cornwall's talent. Sponsoring the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards allows us to support and recognise the remarkable achievements of apprentices, who are vital to the continued growth and innovation of our industry. By encouraging and celebrating these young professionals, we help ensure a thriving future for both our business and our region."
Cormac
Trophy Sponsor
Imerys Minerals Ltd
Imerys is a world leader in mineral-based specialty solutions for industry, with €4.4 billion revenue and 14,000 employees worldwide. We deliver high-value-added, functional solutions to diversified industrial sectors, from processing industries to consumer goods. We draw on our knowledge of applications, technological expertise, and material science to deliver solutions with our mineral resources, synthetic minerals, and formulations.
Richard Townsend, HR Director for Imerys in the UK: “Imerys in Cornwall offers an opportunity for local people to join an exciting, developing industry in both kaolin and Lithium. We partner with local educational partners on creating new pathways needed to equip the next generation for employment in burgeoning green industries alongside more traditional pathways which have proved successful for our organisation for many years.”
Clare Sleeman, Talent & Learning Manager for Imerys in UK: "It is important to inspire young people in the region, offering them the chance to pursue apprenticeships and career paths that truly support their aspirations. As a proud Employer Ambassador, we champion and promote the incredible value of apprenticeships to the next generation."
Media Partner
Business Cornwall
Business Cornwall is a magazine and website dedicated to providing the latest Cornish business news and information to the Duchy’s vibrant business community. Not only does Business Cornwall promote and support the Cornish business scene, it is very much a part of it. An independently-owned Cornish company, we are proud to sponsor the Truro and Penwith College Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.
Caroline Carter, Account Manager: "Business Cornwall is proud to sponsor the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards. We are proud to be associated with Truro and Penwith College and the skills and talent that will shape future business in Cornwall."
Apprentice of the Year Categories
Business & Professional
Dales Central motors -Your Award-Winning Multi-Franchise Dealership. Since 1959, Dales has proudly served the Cornwall community with quality new and used vehicles, backed by expert servicing and repairs. As a trusted partner to leading franchises, we offer a diverse range of cars and vans to suit every need. Our friendly, knowledgeable teams are here to help you every step of the way. Visit us at our dealerships in Scorrier near Redruth or our multi-franchise showroom in Summercourt, and experience customer service that’s second to none.
"We are delighted to support this event."
Construction & Trade
Coastline is a NFP Housing Association, with 5,000+ homes in Cornwall, employing nearly 400 people. We provide a range of housing options and invest in new affordable homes, places and communities. Supporting customers in our communities, we’re deeply rooted in our neighbourhoods, providing employment opportunities and delivering social value.
Hannah Tripp, Head of People and Culture: "We’ve had some amazing apprentices over the years, in particular the last few years we’ve seen the level of talent on our apprenticeship programmes increase. It’s really amazing to see people develop and grow over their time with us and we’re thrilled that several have gone on to secure permanent roles at Coastline. We’ve had a number of apprentices over the years who’ve been shortlisted for these awards and we love celebrating these individuals. We look forward to continuing our support of apprenticeships with Coastline in the future and growing our apprenticeship programme and keeping key skills in Cornwall, supporting our local communities."
Digital & IT
Cornwall Council are committed to Working with communities to create a carbon neutral Cornwall, where everyone can start well, live well and age well.
"As part of The Cornwall We Need and our Digital Future agenda, we’d love to sponsor this category for the second year as it aligns to our strategy and business plan, as well as focus for future skills."
Engineering, Manufacturing & Automotive
Imerys is a world leader in mineral-based specialty solutions for industry, with €4.4 billion revenue and 14,000 employees worldwide. We deliver high-value-added, functional solutions to diversified industrial sectors, from processing industries to consumer goods. We draw on our knowledge of applications, technological expertise, and material science to deliver solutions with our mineral resources, synthetc minerals, and formulations.
Richard Townsend, HR Director for Imerys in the UK: “Imerys in Cornwall offers an opportunity for local people to join an exciting, developing industry in both kaolin and Lithium. We partner with local educational partners on creating new pathways needed to equip the next generation for employment in burgeoning green industries alongside more traditional pathways which have proved successful for our organisation for many years.”
Clare Sleeman, Talent & Learning Manager for Imerys in UK: "It is important to inspire young people in the region, offering them the chance to pursue apprenticeships and career paths that truly support their aspirations. As a proud Employer Ambassador, we champion and promote the incredible value of apprenticeships to the next generation."
Hair & Beauty
sponsorship available
Nursing, Healthcare & Education
Go Cornwall Bus delivers bus services across Cornwall, ensuring passengers can access vital services, as well as the people and places they love.
Caroline Spurr: "We are proud to support the ‘Nursing, Healthcare and Education’ category at this years’ Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards. It’s great to see all the hard working nominees come together and it’s exciting to see where their career progression may take them."
Hospitality
sponsorship available
Land-based
Employer of the Year Categories
Large employer (>250 employees)
Seasalt is a modern lifestyle brand that makes beautifully designed products woven with stories of Cornwall. Our purpose is to inspire people of all ages to dress with creativity and confidence, and our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability is reflected through the thoughtful design and enduring quality of our products.
Alisha Williams, Early Careers and Training Advisor: “We are sponsoring this year’s Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards because we were truly inspired by the incredible achievements of last year’s nominees, and these awards are a brilliant celebration of that success. It’s a privilege to be part of the event again in 2026. At Seasalt, we have a genuine passion and strong commitment to supporting the growth of apprenticeships across Cornwall, and we’re especially proud to sponsor the category we were honoured to win in 2025.”
SME employer (<250 employees)
Eden Project is well known as a Visitor Attraction - but at our heart we are an Educational Charity that helps share the story and importance of leading more sustainable lives. We work collaboratively through multiple channels to help share the stories and practical ways in which we can protect our environment and ultimately tackle climate change together.
Mentor Awards
Workplace Mentor of the year
Academic Mentor of the year
Cornwall Council supports inclusive growth and opportunity across the Duchy. Its Cornwall Opportunities website connects people with local jobs, apprenticeships, training and careers advice—empowering residents and employers to thrive. It’s a one-stop website for building brighter futures in Cornwall.
Cathie Kessell, People & Prosperity Manager: "Cornwall Opportunities is proud to sponsor the 2026 Apprenticeship Awards as part of our commitment to nurturing local talent, supporting inclusive career pathways and celebrating the achievements of apprentices who are shaping the future of Cornwall’s workforce."
Entertainment
Table
Watson-Marlow is a global leader in fluid management technology, specialising in peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies. With over 60 years of expertise, the company delivers innovative and high-quality solutions across diverse industries including biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water and wastewater, and chemicals. Watson-Marlow prides itself on its commitment to excellence, reliability, and sustainability, providing customers with precise and efficient fluid handling systems that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. Based in Falmouth, Cornwall, Watson-Marlow is dedicated to fostering local talent and contributing to the community’s economic growth and development.
Brian Hooper, General Manager of Watson-Marlow: "As a company, we at Watson-Marlow believe in investing in the future of Cornwall's talent. Sponsoring the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards allows us to support and recognise the remarkable achievements of apprentices, who are vital to the continued growth and innovation of our industry. By encouraging and celebrating these young professionals, we help ensure a thriving future for both our business and our region."
