‘The Oscars of Skills’, the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026 in partnership with Babcock, is set to showcase some extraordinary people doing incredible things, to help the country thrive in its hour of need and save the ‘lost generation’.
All the 32 finalists, from right across the country, will be venerated by leading figures due to attend the glittering ceremony in London, which will be presented by Radio 1 presenter Swarzy Shire, on Wednesday, 1 July 2026..
Outstanding individuals, employers, training providers and collaborations that are helping to close skills gaps and strengthen the future of UK engineering and manufacturing.
This year’s finalists showcase excellence in apprenticeships, T Levels, early careers, workforce development and industry collaboration, reflecting the breadth of talent and innovation across the sector.
Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, the former Sector Skills Council charged with fixing the skills gap in the sector, said: “These people and organisations are on the frontline trying to save the ‘lost generation’ referred to by Alan Milburn – as are we.
“Each and every one is a star in our eyes and deserves to take a bow in the spotlight that we shine upon them. There are reasons to be optimistic when it comes to what the future holds, even if the sector is currently weathering a storm.”
Richard Hamer, HR Director for Education & Skills at BAE Systems, said: “The 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates and undergraduates in learning at BAE Systems in the UK are vital to meeting our nation’s defence and security needs. Celebrating excellence in apprenticeship and graduate training and achievement is essential as we continue to inspire more employers to create training pathways into meaningful careers and employment for people from all backgrounds. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists on their success to date.”
Neil Mantle, Engineering and Quality Director – Procurement & Supply Chain at Rolls-Royce commented: “Rolls-Royce are delighted to be supporting Enginuity and sponsoring the award for New Talent Inspiration Programme of the Year. The attraction and recruitment of new and diverse talent have become increasingly important for our valuable, vibrant, and rewarding UK Engineering and Manufacturing sectors as we compete in local and global talent marketplaces. We have been inspired by finalists in this category from previous years and look forward very much to hearing from and celebrating with this year’s short-listed entrants.”
Enginuity are grateful to all our sponsors for their valued support of the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026: our Headline Sponsor, Babcock; Platinum Partners, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce; Category Partners, Train’d Up, Institutes of Technology, WJEC (Eduqas), EAL, The Welding Institute; our Event Partner, EDT; Silver Partners, Siemens and Burton and South Derbyshire College & Toyota Manufacturing; Bronze Partners, CBM, Ihasco and Sharp IT Services, and our Drinks Reception Partner, The 5% Club. Their support plays a vital role in helping us celebrate and champion excellence across engineering and manufacturing skills.
A small number of tickets for the Enginuity Skills Awards are still available. Book your place for an evening celebrating the exceptional talent, innovation and achievements shaping the future of engineering and manufacturing. To secure your place, visit our website: Enginuity.
We look forward to welcoming you on 1 July 2026 at Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge.
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