National Apprenticeship Week provides the perfect opportunity to highlight how the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2026 is actively investing in the future of highways and road infrastructure technology and creating meaningful opportunities for apprentices across the sector.
Taking place from 24-25 June 2026 at NAEC Stoneleigh, the festival will place a strong focus on supporting, engaging and celebrating apprentices from both the public and private sectors.
Fully Funded Places for Apprentices: To ensure accessibility, LCRIG is offering fully funded places for public and private sector apprentices. These cover accommodation, transport between the hotel and venue, catering and refreshments.
In 2025, 61 apprentices attended through this initiative. For 2026, LCRIG aims to welcome even more, expanding access to high-quality learning, networking and career development opportunities that apprentices may not otherwise experience.
Industry-Relevant Training and CPD: Apprentices attending the festival will benefit from a comprehensive programme of CPD-accredited technical sessions focused on the latest innovations, emerging technologies and sector best practice.
Innovation in Action: The festival’s live demonstration areas and outdoor exhibition offer hands-on exposure to cutting-edge solutions currently being deployed across the UK.
Connecting with the Sector: Beyond technical learning, the festival provides invaluable opportunities for apprentices to engage directly with employers, local authorities and industry leaders, through workshops, panel discussions and structured networking sessions.
DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards: Returning in 2026, the DfT Special Recognition Apprentice Awards will celebrate apprentices making a significant impact within the sector.
Award categories include:
- Inspirational Apprentice Award
- Exceptional Frontline Apprentice Award
- Outstanding Achievement Awards (Levels 2, 3 and 4-6)
The awards will be presented on the evening of 24 June ahead of the festival networking event. Enter the awards here: https://lcrig.org.uk/future-of-local-roads-apprentice-innovation-competition/
Submission deadline: 27 March 2026.
Future of Local Roads: Apprentice Innovation Competition: Apprentices are also invited to take part in the Future of Local Roads competition, which challenges participants to develop creative solutions to real-world highways or transport issues in their local area. The winner will receive sector-wide recognition, exposure through LCRIG platforms and a cash prize. Enter the competition here: https://lcrig.org.uk/future-of-local-roads-apprentice-innovation-competition/
A Unique Opportunity to Be Part of the Future
The LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival 2026 is more than a conference, it’s an opportunity to learn, connect and be recognised within the sector.
With fully funded apprentice places available and demand expected to be high, this is a unique opportunity for the next generation to gain skills, experience and visibility in highways and road infrastructure technology.
Apprentices are encouraged to apply early to secure their place HERE.
Award sponsorship opportunities are also available HERE.
(Picture: LCRIG)
