CT Skills Named Training Provider of the Year Alongside Apprentice Award Win

CT Skills is celebrating a remarkable evening at the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026, after being named Training Provider of the Year and seeing apprentice Ellie Blackman crowned Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year.

The awards recognise the individuals, employers, and training providers making an outstanding contribution to apprenticeships across the region. Receiving recognition in both a provider and apprentice category made this year's event particularly special for everyone at CT Skills.

CT Skills Named Training Provider of the Year

Being recognised as Training Provider of the Year 2026 is a significant achievement for CT Skills and reflects the impact our team has on learners, employers, and communities across the East Midlands and beyond.

The award acknowledges the quality of apprenticeship and training programmes we deliver, as well as the support provided throughout every learner's journey. From helping individuals gain new qualifications and progress in their careers to supporting employers in building skilled, confident workforces, this recognition highlights the difference apprenticeships can make when delivered in partnership.

Behind every successful learner is a team committed to providing guidance, encouragement, and high-quality training. Whether working directly with learners, supporting employers, developing curriculum content, or ensuring programmes run smoothly, every colleague at CT Skills has played a part in this achievement.

While winning Training Provider of the Year was a proud moment for the organisation, seeing one of our own apprentices recognised on the same evening made the celebration even more meaningful.

Ellie Blackman Wins Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year

Huge congratulations to Ellie Blackman, who was named Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year 2026.

Ellie's journey demonstrates the value of apprenticeships in helping people build meaningful careers. After completing a degree in Filmmaking in 2021, she spent several years balancing multiple jobs and freelance work while searching for a career that aligned with her creative strengths and long-term ambitions.

When Ellie joined CT Skills on a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship, she embraced the opportunity to gain industry experience while continuing her professional development.

Her dedication and hard work resulted in a Distinction grade, and she has since progressed into a full-time role as Marketing Coordinator at Sarissa Precision.

"Winning the Technology and Digital Apprentice Award at the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026 feels surreal. To have my hard work and progression recognised in this way is something I'm incredibly proud of, especially when I think back to where I was before starting the apprenticeship."

– Ellie Blackman

A Shared Success

These awards highlight what can be achieved when motivated learners, supportive employers, and experienced training providers work together.

Congratulations to Ellie Blackman, our employer partners, and the entire CT Skills team on this fantastic achievement. We look forward to continuing to support learners and employers through high-quality apprenticeships that create lasting career and business success.