If you’re an L&D pro armed with Oscar-worthy learning programmes, then it’s time to step into the spotlight and showcase your brilliance. The right L&D awards actively highlight your achievements and ensure you receive the recognition you deserve.
Whether you’re a training trailblazer, an eLearning extraordinaire, or an all-round learning legend, these 14 prestigious awards are sure to earn you a standing ovation from your organisation’s key stakeholders.
We’ve collected all the details you need, so you can focus on the more important things — like practicing your acceptance speech. Just remember: keep it short, or risk getting played off by the orchestra! Ready to take a bow? Then let’s get started.
Why You Should Enter L&D Awards
You probably jumped into the exciting world of learning and development (L&D) because you want to make a real difference. And that’s brilliant! But a little recognition along the way is pretty great too.
Entering awards offers opportunities for professional growth, recognition, and networking. Still on the fence? Well, here are six compelling reasons why you should consider putting yourself or your organisation forward for an award:
- Celebrate Success: Let’s be honest, being an L&D pro is like trying to tame a whirlwind. You’re constantly juggling different projects, putting out fires left and right, and tackling the next big training challenge. So, when things actually go right, you absolutely deserve to celebrate that dedication. We all need a good pat on the back from time to time.
- Demonstrate Value: Winning or even being shortlisted by a reputable award programme offers significant industry validation and credibility. Indeed, this is a fantastic way to exhibit to your organisation’s key stakeholders just how much value you’re bringing to the table (and maybe even nudge them for a bigger budget).
- Team Motivation: It feels good to be recognised. It’s like a shot of energy! Indeed, these awards can work wonders for your team’s morale and motivation levels. After all, they’re like an external thumbs-up that validates all their effort and makes them feel like what they’re doing matters. It may even encourage them to keep pushing the envelope.
- Constructive Criticism: Even if you don’t win, or progress as far as you’d like, award programmes can be a goldmine for valuable feedback. After all, you’re getting your work in front of seasoned professionals who can offer a different lens on what you’re doing. They may even help you to identify potential areas for improvement.
- Personal Branding: Awards don’t just reflect well on your organisation. Getting recognition at this level also adds sheen to your personal profile and reputation within the L&D community. If you’re thinking about building your personal brand, then there are plenty of individual categories where you can put your name forward. Maybe it’s time for you to get your flowers?
- Networking Opportunities: Beyond the awards themselves, many ceremonies offer fantastic networking opportunities. You’ll have the chance to connect with industry leaders, judges, fellow entrants, and other L&D professionals. It’s also a fantastic excuse to hit the dance floor and impress attendees with a few well-executed knee spins!
Our collaborative partnerships here at Growth Engineering have resulted in over 120 award wins for our clients. In other words, we know a thing or two about L&D awards. Just think of the powerful message you could send by highlighting your own achievements to the wider world.
L&D Award Programmes: Your Options
Now the advantages of entering are clear, it’s time to consider your options. Here’s the good news: there’s plenty to choose from. Below, you’ll find a list of 14 awesome awards programmes, each with multiple individual and organisational categories.
Our selection of awards leans towards the UK and US, so don’t forget to search online for programmes specific to your region. We’ve included key dates and fees and will do our best to maintain their accuracy. However, for the most current information, please visit the organiser’s website directly.
With that important note addressed, let’s leap into our list. The following is presented in no particular order.
The Learning Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 11th April 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 21st September 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
The prestigious Learning Awards, established in 1996 by the LPI, attract hundreds of entries from across the globe. To apply, you’ll need to complete a short written submission, followed by a virtual presentation to an experienced judging panel.
The best part? Participation across all 22 categories is entirely free. Hurrah! Keeping pace with innovation, these awards also do a great job of changing with the times. For instance, why not enter this year’s ‘Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Learning’ category?
Learning Excellence Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 1st June 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 8th November 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: £125+ VAT
The Learning Excellence Awards are another UK-based awarding organisation that attract international entries and recognition. While an entry fee applies, it’s considerably cheaper than some alternatives and there’s complimentary entry for registered charities.
With an expansive selection of 29 categories, you’re sure to find the perfect match. Moreover, the categories are carefully divided into sectors (construction, financial, retail, etc.), functional areas (accounting, marketing, sales, etc.), and dedicated areas for innovation and outstanding achievement.
CIPD People Management Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 1st June 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 1st May 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: £690+ VAT
Running since 1995, the CIPD People Management Awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and exceptional accomplishments within the people management field. For learning professionals, these awards provide a powerful platform to showcase impactful work.
With 21 categories directly aligned to the CIPD Profession Map, these awards are robust and reputable. Unfortunately, entries aren’t cheap. But then again, the unparalleled prestige associated with the CIPD positions these awards as a benchmark for achievement.
Learning Technologies Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 9th May 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 12th July 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: £180+ VAT
If you’re as proud of your learning technology as we are, then this could be the awards programme for you! The Learning Technologies Awards acknowledge both the power of cutting-edge solutions and the individuals who leverage them to create transformative learning experiences.
With 21 diverse categories available, you have a wide range of options open to you. Following this, the judging process consists of two stages: a 2,000 word submission document and a subsequent presentation to a panel of industry experts provided by the Learning Network. Break a leg!
L&DI Excellence in Learning Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 24th February 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 18th March 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
The Excellence in Learning Awards, formerly known as the Learning & Development Institute Awards, have been running since 1998. They are dedicated to promoting and celebrating excellence, professionalism, and outstanding achievement within the L&D community.
Featuring a focused selection of 11 categories, these awards offer a more targeted approach compared to some broader programmes. Best of all, there is no cost involved in making a submission. Good luck!
Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 2nd January 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 11th April 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: $575
As a leading authority in the HR and L&D landscape, the Brandon Hall Group presents four specialised award programmes (yes, four!). Learning and development professionals will likely gravitate towards their Human Capital Management offering.
For those seeking extensive choice and highly specific category options, these awards stand out. The Learning & Development Programme Area alone offers 34 distinct categories. The entry process involves a thorough written form, as there’s no ensuing judging session.
CLO Learning in Practice Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 4th March 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 7th May 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: $595
Established in 2003 in association with Chief Learning Officer, the Learning in Practice Awards celebrate learning leaders who have made a real difference within their organisation. If you’re a senior L&D pro, this could be the option for you.
Practitioners can compete across eight categories, including notable awards like ‘CLO of the Year’, ‘The Business Impact Award’, and ‘The Innovation Award’. Take your pick! The entry process is easy — just complete the online application form.
Training MVP Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 2nd April 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 2nd September 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: $179
This one’s a little different. The Training MVP Awards (fka. The Training Apex Awards) are a worldwide ranking of organisations that have demonstrated excellence in training and human capital development. As such, it recognises your overall training approach, rather than the merits of a particular programme.
Securing a slot within the top 100 is a significant achievement. Therefore, to be in with a chance, you’ll need to complete the application form, upload it to their platform, and pay a small processing fee. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you!
ATD Excellence in Practice Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 12th May 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 14th July 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: $225
The Association for Talent Development (ATD) offers four distinct award programmes. However, the one we’d like to highlight here is their ‘Excellence in Practice’ offering, which celebrates impactful individual practices across the entire spectrum of talent management.
If you have an initiative you’re particularly proud of, then you should head to their online awards portal. Interestingly, all personal and company-identifying information is removed from submissions before it’s presented to judges, so this truly is a fair playing field.
LearnX Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 1st January 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 5th September 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: $275 (AUD)
The LearnX Awards have been in practice since 2008. They recognise excellence across the full scope of learning and talent development in corporate, public and not-for-profit organisations worldwide. These awards attract thousands of entries, with achievements acknowledged through a tiered system ranging from Platinum (7 stars) to Silver (4 stars).
To participate, you’ll need to create a simple document that showcases how your application addresses their four key criteria. Moreover, with 40+ categories in the L&D programme area alone, there are plenty of opportunities for you to fill your trophy cabinet!
Learning at Work Week Impact Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 18th May 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 19th July 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
Learning at Work Week (or LAW Week) is an annual initiative that aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of continual learning and development in the workplace. And now, LAW Week has its own awards programme, the Impact Awards.
These awards are free to enter for all organisations who run a Learning at Work Week event. Moreover, you can select from three categories: ‘Inspiring a Lifelong Learning Culture’, ‘Supporting Business and Organisational Goals’, and ‘Innovation in Learning and Development’.
Personnel Today Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 26th March 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 13th June 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: £325+ VAT
The Personnel Today Awards have made it their mission to give HR and L&D teams the recognition they deserve. Indeed, these esteemed awards celebrate outstanding achievements within the people profession, offering plaudits across 22 categories.
Entry is uncomplicated, requiring basic information and a succinct (1,200 word) summary of your accomplishments. A panel of HR industry experts and luminaries will then carefully assess your submission. We’re rooting for you!
OnCon Icon Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 30th September 2024
⏳ Submission Deadline: 15th April 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
The OnCon Icon Awards are the second rankings table featured here (following the Training MVP Awards above). Notably, their final list is based on peer and community votes, so winners are selected by a collective voice, rather than the usual small selection of specialist judges.
There is no cost to apply and separate submission lists are available for both individuals and teams. Additionally, to ensure deserving candidates receive recognition, you have the option to nominate a valued colleague, mentor, or peer.
Investors in People Awards
✍️ Entries Open: 1st April 2025
⏳ Submission Deadline: 29th August 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: £249 +VAT
Last but not least, we turn our attention to the Investors in People Awards. This initiative seeks to recognise the people, teams, and organisations that are demonstrably improving the world of work. Significantly, this is the only programme on our list with ‘Outstanding’ status from the Independent Awards Standards Council.
With 13 categories for organisations and 5 for individuals, these awards have a commendable scope. An added benefit is complimentary entry for any new category, such as ‘The Award for Excellence in Building Purpose-Driven Impact’. If your learning programme has epic meaning then why not give it a try?
Final Words
There you have it. We’ve listed 14 awesome award options for you and your organisation to consider. If you have satisfied learners and hard-hitting results to showcase, then why not take a swing?
Your dedication to learning and development transforms organisations and empowers individuals. As such, you more than deserve your moment in the sun. And it’s always good to connect with a community that shares your passion.
And even if you don’t take home the gold, you’ll learn something. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to shoot your shot!
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