Purple Umbrella Awards 2026 entries are now open
Entries for the Purple Umbrella Awards 2026 opened on 11 May 2026 and close on 12 June 2026.
The 2026 awards mark a major milestone as we celebrate 10 years of the Purple Umbrella Awards, recognising outstanding Apprenticeships in hospitality. Over the past decade, the awards have championed organisations and individuals who go above and beyond in hospitality apprenticeships.
The Purple Umbrella Awards 2026 will once again showcase excellence across a range of categories, including:
Best Level 2 Apprentice
Best Level 3 Apprentice
Best Level 4 Apprentice
Best Level 5 Apprentice
Best Level 2 Chef Apprentice
Best Level 3 Chef Apprentice
Best Apprentice Mentor
Plus several special awards.
Sam Coulstock, Executive Director for Partnerships and Growth at Umbrella, said:
“The Purple Umbrella Awards shine a light on what great apprenticeships look like in practice and give organisations the confidence to keep pushing standards higher and show us what excellence looks like.”
The Purple Umbrella Awards return to BAFTA, London on 18th September 2026, for the ten-year anniversary, providing a fitting backdrop for this landmark celebration.
Adele Oxberry, Chief Executive of Umbrella Training, said:
“We are incredibly excited and proud to be celebrating 10 years of the Purple Umbrella Awards back at BAFTA this September. Looking back at how far the awards have come, and the impact they have helped create, makes this anniversary year especially meaningful for everyone involved.”
A word from our Diamond Sponsor, Claire Cregan, Group HR Director, The QHotels Collection.
“At The QHotels Collection, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our long-standing partnership with Umbrella Training reflects our shared commitment to nurturing talent, unlocking potential, and creating meaningful career pathways through apprenticeships. Sponsoring the Purple Umbrella Awards in their 10th anniversary year is something we are incredibly proud of, as it celebrates the dedication, growth and achievement of individuals who are shaping the future of our industry” –
Full category information, entry guidance and submission details can be found here.
Save the dates
Entries open: 11 May 2026
Entries close: 12 June 2026
Purple Umbrella Awards: 18th September 2026, BAFTA, London
We look forward to celebrating another inspiring year.
Thank you to this year’s PUA Sponsors:
Purple Umbrella Awards 2026 are now open.