BCS IT & Digital Apprenticeship Awards 2026
The BCS IT and Digital Apprenticeship Awards 2026 marks its fifth year.
These awards are open to all digital apprentices working in the UK, regardless of their Assessment Organisation. They recognise the talents and achievements of apprentices, digital T Level students, and New for 2026 we will be looking to celebrate those who work behind the scenes to help digital apprentices thrive with a new category ‘Digital Apprentice Mentor Award’ Anyone of any age who meets the category criteria is eligible to participate.
Nominations are encouraged from employers, training providers, and apprentices who are currently enrolled in or have successfully completed a digital apprenticeship or digital T Level, within the past year (since January 2025).
We are looking for individuals who are making a positive impact in their careers, their professions, and the wider community.
These awards are non-commercial and align with BCS’s charitable mission to promote the benefits of IT for society.
Key Dates for 2026:
- 13 February: Entries open
- 11 April: Entry closing date
- April: Moderation of entries
- Early May: Shortlist announcement
- 1-5 June: Judging week for shortlisted finalists – 20-minute online discussions (specific dates will be set for each category and cannot be moved)
- 9 July: Awards celebratory afternoon event at The VOX part of the NEC Group, Birmingham
2026 Award categories
Criteria: Learning & Development / Role model /Approach to Work
Digital Apprenticeship category criteria
Professionalism / Innovation and Adding Value / Role Model / Measurable success
- Business Analyst L4
- Cyber
- Content Creator (NEW)
- Data L3 & L4
- Digital Services (accessibility, repair, learning)
- Digital Product Manager
- Digital Marketing
- Information & Communications Technician
- Network Engineer
- Software L3/L4 (including DevOps)
Degree-Level Apprenticeship Standards
- AI Data Specialist L6
- Machine Learning Technician L7 (NEW)
- Digital Degree Apprentice*
*Maybe split further depending on entries
Criteria: Learning & Development / Role model /Approach to Work
Sponsored award categories
Nominees have the chance to win up to three awards… don’t miss the opportunity to enter your rising stars into our sponsored categories.
Criteria: Competence / Contribution / Professional Development
Criteria: Progression / Personal Responsibility
Entries are accepted from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What to expect from our 2026 celebration
Schedule: (timings are subject to change)
Join us at The VOX, Birmingham, 12pm–4:45pm for an afternoon of celebration and networking:
- Cabaret-style tables of seven
- Street food carts
- 300+ parking spaces & easy train access
- Connect with the tech industry’s rising stars
Dress Code: Smart & authentic—dress up for this special occasion!
Shortlisted finalists will each receive a complimentary ticket for themselves, which include lunch.
Additional refreshments will be available for purchase from the bar throughout the afternoon.
Finalist Guests / Providers / Employers can purchase tickets – we will announce when these are on sale over the coming weeks
Member: £70 / Non-Member £95
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Entry requirements
- Entries must align to the apprenticeship standard the apprentice is currently on or has taken.
- Entries will be accepted from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
- Nominators must name the apprenticeship standard/level the apprentice is on or has completed.
• • For those who have completed their apprenticeship, their entry will only be valid if they have completed within the last 12 months (January 2025)
