Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025
What Is The Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award?
The Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award, run jointly by the Worshipful Company of Horners and the British Plastics Federation Education & Skills Committee, shines a spotlight on the outstanding commitment and acheivments of apprentices within the polymer industry.
The award is for apprentices employed in a technical, engineering, manufacturing or design role associated with polymer processing or polymer/additive manufacture. Nominations can be made by the apprentice’s employer.
If you have a great entry in mind but don't qualify as an apprentice, enter the Horners Awards 2026 instead.
Why Enter?
The winner will be invited to attend the Livery Companies Skills Council Apprentice Ceremony in London next year, where they will receive a prize of £500 and a ceremonial trophy, along with an official Certificate from the Lord Mayor of London.
Previous Winners:
 |
Polymer Industry Apprentice Of The Year 2023 Samuel Jonston (middle) of Colloids was a Laoratory and Regulatory apprentice. Having consistently demonstrated a commitment to his role, Sam has added value to the business and earnt the respect and admiration of his peers and supervisors very early on. He has contributed positively to the overall productivity of the team. |
 |
Polymer Industry Apprentice Of The Year 2023 (Runner up) This year’s runner up was Coopervision’s Kelly McClory (middle). She has completed the PIABC Level 3 Diploma in Polymer Processing followed by achieving the Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard. Kelly was nominated by Solutions 4 Polymers, who provide apprenticeship provision to the polymer sector. |
Competition Rules:
1. The award is for apprentices employed in the UK in a technical, engineering, manufacturing or design role associated with polymer processing or polymer or additive manufacture.
2. In order to be considered for the award, the person must:
a. be engaged in, or have completed in the year to 31 December 2025, a full accredited apprenticeship programme at Level 3;
b. have had sufficient time in their apprenticeship to be able to demonstrate quantifiable achievement, both academic and in the workplace.
3. Details of other training undertaken by the apprentice will be taken into consideration, as will extra-curricular and other activities and achievements outside the workplace.
4. Nominations must come from the employer / training provider of the apprentice.
5. Applications must be made (electronically or physically) on the designated form and should be accompanied by a brief (500 words maximum) justification by their mentor, supervisor, trainer or manager, outlining the personal achievements of the apprentice in terms of growth and development of skills, as well as the benefits that the apprentice has brought to the business. This may be accompanied by appropriate supporting material (certificates, project work, published articles relating to the apprentice, performance/witness statements from customers/suppliers/managers, etc).
6. The official entry period will run from September 2025 till November 2025.
7. The adjudication panel will consist of representatives from the Horners’ and from the BPF Education and Skills Committee. The adjudication will take place by end of November and will involve interviewing (in person or remotely) a short-list of candidates. The winners and runners-up will be notified by end of December.
8. The winner will attend the Livery Companies Skills Council Apprentice Ceremony in February/March 2026. He or she will receive a ceremonial drinking horn and a prize of £500 (from the Master Horner) and, subject to acceptance of the Horner Apprentice Charge (promise), will be receive the Apprentice Horner Certificate from the Lord Mayor of London.
9. The runner-up will receive £200, and such of the short-listed entrants as decided by the adjudication panel (other than the winner) will receive a certificate of commendation.
10. The decisions of the adjudication panel will be final.
11. The organizers will pay the travel expenses (for the presentation) of the winner and a maximum of two “connections” and any interview expenses of the candidates.
12. Applications must be submitted either electronically and supporting documents uploaded on application or sent by e-mail.
Please submit an entry by filling out the form below:
