Players are given awards to
Awards are usually only given by GMs in the Briefing or Debriefing portions of a Game session. Some awards are given by warband leaders and one by popular vote
Awards include qualifications in weapons or classes (qualifications are awarded when someone earns them, like other awards). Players may also be qualified to train new players or perform other GM minor responsibilities. Qualifications are only earned during training sessions - but they are only awarded to the player in a game session. Why? For public acknowledgement and to encourage those that don't normally attend training, to give it a thought.
XP spent to obtain an increase in level, is used up. Levels only are used in roleplaying scenarios of a game session. A player may have multiple progression awards for different class and race combinations.
Story progression awards require regularly scheduled events that are repeated multiple times a year (or annually).