12 February 2026
Deadline for entries: Sunday 10 May 2026
British Marine has officially opened nominations for its Apprentice of the Year Award 2026, inviting marine businesses across the UK to put forward exceptional apprentices who are shaping the future of the industry.
Now in its second year, the award recognises apprentices who demonstrate outstanding dedication, resilience, innovation and real impact in their role, company and the wider sector. The prestigious accolade will once again be presented during the Apprentice Recognition Ceremony at the Southampton International Boat Show 2026, offering an unrivalled platform to celebrate emerging talent.
Apprentices are fundamental to the long-term success of our industry. They bring fresh ideas, energy and ambition, while building the skills that will drive innovation and growth. The Apprentice of the Year Award allows us to recognise individuals who are already making a meaningful difference and to showcase the incredible talent coming through our sector. We strongly encourage employers to nominate their standout apprentices and help us celebrate their achievements.
Manj Mahey Head of Training at British Marine.The Apprentice of the Year Award offers industry-wide recognition, professional promotion and a powerful platform to celebrate personal and professional success. Finalists, to be announced in June, will be invited to attend the Southampton International Boat Show, receive official recognition and professional photography, and take part in the Apprentice Recognition Ceremony, where the overall winner will be revealed on Tuesday 22 September 2026.
Reflecting on her experience as the inaugural winner, Anisha Roberts, Manufacturing Technician at Williams Jet Tenders and Apprentice of the Year 2024, said:
Since winning the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year award, I’ve been super busy with work, completing my Level 3 apprenticeship and securing a role as a manufacturing technician on the manufacturing engineering team at Williams. Now that my apprentice chapter is complete for now, I can start looking forward to SIBS 2026. The show is always exciting, and it’s inspiring to see the ingenuity and hard work across the industry showcased in such amazing products! I’m just hoping SIBS doesn’t run out of excuses to keep inviting me.
Anisha RobertsNominations are open to employers, managers and colleagues across the marine sector. Entries should be submitted via a short video, no longer than one minute, outlining the apprentice’s achievements, commitment to learning, impact within their organisation and any challenges they have overcome.
Submissions should be sent to training@britishmarine.co.uk by Sunday 10 May 2026.
Entries will be assessed by a distinguished judging panel of industry professionals, including British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson, Head of Training Manj Mahey, former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra, Maritime UK Solent Programme Manager Lorna Wagner, SM Employment and Skills Consultants Director Samantha Mitchell, and inaugural award winner Anisha Roberts.
The Apprentice of the Year Award will be presented as part of the Apprentice Recognition Ceremony at the Southampton International Boat Show, which will also celebrate the achievements of more than 70 apprentices from across the industry. Hosted by Jasmine Kundra, the ceremony will feature keynote insights from Apprentice of the Year 2025 winner Charlie Cramer, certificate presentations, and the live announcement of the 2026 winner.
The ceremony highlights the marine sector’s commitment to skills development, training and long-term career opportunities, while providing an inspiring platform to recognise and celebrate emerging professionals.
For further information about the award, nomination process or the recognition ceremony, contact training@britishmarine.co.uk.
To learn more about marine apprenticeships, visit britishmarine.co.uk/training/apprenticeships.