Entries are open for the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Personal Finance Society (PFS) Apprenticeship Awards, the annual celebration of apprentices across insurance and financial services.

Applicants have until the end of May to enter the awards, which also recognise the role played by employers to support rising stars.

Winners receive a cash prize, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Insurers Charitable Trust, to reward their achievements and support continued development.

A panel of experienced sector practitioners will review the applications to select finalists and winners. Applications are open to apprentices and employers across the UK until 31 May.

Heledd Roberts won Insurance Professional Apprentice of the Year 2024, while her team at Farmers Union of Wales Insurance Services (FUW) won Apprentice Employer of the Year (small). She said: “The firm was hugely supportive throughout my apprenticeship. They put time aside for me to do the extra technical learning that comes with the apprenticeship, and you are also given an external tutor, which is so valuable.

"FUW gave me the opportunity of an apprenticeship and I think it is a fantastic way get into the profession. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I can't recommend it enough.”

Nicola Stacey, president of the CII, said: “Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway into the profession, combining practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional qualifications. We look forward to recognising the impact of apprentices and employers at this year’s awards.”

Carla Brown, president of the PFS, said: “The annual CII and PFS Apprenticeship Awards recognise excellence within the apprenticeship space. The occasion honours the hard work and commitment of apprentices, as well as the employers and training providers who broaden the scope of opportunity for the next generation of personal finance and insurance professionals.”

The CII & PFS Apprenticeship Awards 2025 categories are:

• Insurance Practitioner Apprentice of the Year
• Insurance Professional Apprentice of the Year
• Senior Insurance Professional Apprentice of the Year
• Financial Adviser Apprentice of the Year
• Paraplanner Apprentice of the Year
• Financial Services Administrator Apprentice of the Year
• Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
• Small Apprenticeship Employer of the Year

More information, including how to enter, can be found here.