ISE Awards 2026

Open to ISE employer member organisations with/without a partner organisation, and ISE university members (for an employment-related initiative).

This award celebrates organisations that have shown exceptional commitment to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion across their early talent strategies. It recognises initiatives that go beyond policy statements to create real, measurable change by removing barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering belonging at every stage of outreach, recruitment, and development. Entrants should demonstrate how their approach has led to tangible outcomes such as improved representation, retention, or progression, and how these efforts contribute to lasting cultural and organisational transformation. The judges will look for evidence of innovation, impact, and sustained dedication to inclusive practice.

Open to all ISE employer member organisations with/without an education institution or solution provider partner.

This award honours organisations that demonstrate exceptional engagement with schools and colleges to raise aspirations, improve employability skills, and support access to future opportunities before higher education. It recognises initiatives that build meaningful, sustained relationships with educators, students, and communities to inspire early career awareness and readiness. Entrants should showcase how their approach creates tangible outcomes, such as enhanced understanding of career pathways, improved access to work-related learning, or measurable impact on student confidence and employability. Judges will look for creativity, inclusivity, and a clear demonstration of long-term benefit for participants and partners alike.

Open to all ISE employer organisations with/without a partner organisation

This award celebrates impactful experience of work initiatives such as placements, internships, or pre-entry programmes that provide accessible, structured, and meaningful routes into early careers. It recognises organisations that design and deliver experiences that develop skills, confidence, and career readiness while broadening access to opportunity. Entrants should show how their programmes effectively bridge education and employment, particularly for underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. The judges will look for evidence of sustainable partnerships, participant outcomes, and clear impact on both individuals and the organisation. 

Open to ISE employer member organisations with/without ISE a solution provider partner, or ISE solution provider member organisations, as lead entrants, in partnership with an employer.

This award celebrates outstanding attraction campaigns that push the boundaries of creativity and technology in engaging early talent. It recognises initiatives that use innovative, tech-led or data-driven approaches to reach and inspire diverse student and graduate audiences. Whether through digital storytelling, interactive experiences, targeted outreach or the creative use of emerging platforms, this category highlights organisations that have redefined how young people connect with employers. Entrants should demonstrate measurable impact, originality, and how their approach has successfully strengthened brand visibility, engagement and conversion within the early talent market.

Open to ISE employer member organisations with/without ISE a solution provider partner, or ISE solution provider member organisations, as lead entrants, in partnership with an employer.

This award celebrates creative and evidence-based approaches to assessment and selection that are fair, inclusive, and effective. It recognises organisations that have reimagined how potential is identified and evaluated, enhancing candidate experience while delivering stronger hiring outcomes. Entrants may showcase innovations such as technology-led assessment tools, inclusive design principles, data-driven decision-making, or novel methods that reduce bias and improve predictive validity. The judges will look for measurable results demonstrating how the approach has strengthened both candidate engagement and business performance, setting new standards for excellence in early talent selection.

Open to all ISE employer organisations with/without a partner organisation

This award recognises organisations that provide a seamless, engaging, and supportive transition for candidates from the point of offer to full onboarding. It celebrates initiatives that enhance early engagement, set clear expectations, and foster a positive experience that encourages retention and long-term success. Entrants should demonstrate how their approach ensures candidates feel welcomed, valued, and prepared, and how structured support or creative strategies improve the overall onboarding journey. Judges will look for measurable outcomes, evidence of candidate satisfaction, and innovative practices that set the standard for excellence in early talent integration.

Open to all ISE employer organisations with/without a partner organisation

This award celebrates apprenticeship programmes that provide high-quality training, robust support, and clear progression pathways for apprentices. It recognises initiatives that effectively combine on-the-job learning, formal training, mentorship, and career development to deliver measurable outcomes for both participants and the organisation. Entrants should highlight programme innovation, inclusivity, and tangible benefits such as skills acquisition, retention, and progression opportunities. Judges will look for evidence of programme impact, participant satisfaction, and strategies that demonstrate excellence in nurturing the next generation of talent through apprenticeships.

Open to all ISE employer organisations with/without a partner organisation

This award honours graduate development programmes that deliver outstanding learning, career progression, and retention outcomes. It recognises initiatives that combine structured learning, mentorship, and practical experiences to maximise the potential of graduate hires. Entrants should demonstrate measurable impact on skills development, engagement, and retention, as well as evidence of programme innovation and alignment with organisational goals. Judges will consider how the programme supports both individual and business success, fosters ongoing development, and exemplifies best practice in graduate talent management.

Open to ISE university and employer member organisations in partnership with any ISE member or non-member education and/or solution provider.

This award recognises strategic partnerships between employers, universities, colleges, and other stakeholders that deliver measurable benefits for students, organisations, and the wider skills ecosystem. It celebrates collaborations that drive innovation through shared goals, whether through curriculum co-design, outreach programmes, or initiatives that strengthen regional and sector-based talent pipelines. Entrants should evidence how their collaboration adds value beyond what partners could achieve independently, including demonstrable outcomes such as improved access, skills development, or workforce readiness. The judges will look for strong alignment of purpose, effective delivery, and sustainable, scalable impact across the early talent landscape.

Open to both ISE members and non-member organisations 

This award celebrates initiatives that embed ESG, CSR, or broader purpose-led approaches into early talent strategies. It recognises both ISE and non-ISE organisations that have integrated sustainability and social responsibility into recruitment, development, and engagement practices, delivering tangible benefits for students, employees, and wider communities. Entrants should provide evidence of measurable impact, innovative approaches, and how the initiative contributes to long-term positive change. Judges will look for programmes that demonstrate alignment with organisational values, clear outcomes in environmental, social, or governance areas, and that set a benchmark for purpose-driven early talent strategies.

Open to all ISE employer organisations with/without a partner organisation

This award recognises programmes that open meaningful pathways into the workforce for individuals entering through non-traditional or non-educational routes. It celebrates organisations that demonstrate creativity, inclusion and measurable success in developing emerging or alternative talent—whether through community partnerships, upskilling initiatives, returner schemes or targeted outreach to underrepresented groups. Entrants should showcase how their programme broadens access to opportunities, delivers tangible outcomes for participants, and contributes to a more diverse and equitable early talent landscape. The judges will look for clear evidence of impact, sustainability and positive organisational or sector-wide change.

Open only to ISE employer member organisations.

This award celebrates organisations of any size that have designed and executed a comprehensive early careers strategy delivering measurable success across attraction, assessment, and development. It recognises strategic approaches irrespective of implemented or working budget sizes, that integrate recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and progression for early talent cohorts. Entrants should showcase innovative practices, effective use of data, and measurable outcomes demonstrating impact on both individuals and organisational objectives. Judges will look for strategies that are forward-thinking, inclusive, and scalable, highlighting a coherent and results-driven approach that sets a high standard for excellence in early-career programmes.

Open only to individuals from ISE member organisations.

This award recognises an individual who has made a significant and transformative contribution to the early talent landscape. It celebrates leaders, innovators, or advocates who have driven meaningful change, whether through programme design, inclusion initiatives, strategic thinking, or sector-wide influence. Entrants should demonstrate measurable impact, innovation, and evidence of inspiring others within their organisation or the wider sector. Judges will consider how the nominee has gone above and beyond to advance early-career practices, create positive outcomes for participants, and influence peers or stakeholders to adopt new approaches and set higher standards in talent development.