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Call for employers to enter Apprenticeship Awards

The North East’s apprentice employers are being urged to enter the Apprenticeship Awards 2008 ahead of the deadline for entries on 29 February. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) wants employers of all sizes and from all industry sectors to enter the national awards that showcase the achievements of apprentices and their employers.

North East success stories that were recognised by the Awards in 2007 were Abbigail Kewin, from Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, who was named Young Apprentice of the Year 2007, and Gareth Moor, of Morpeth, who was crowned Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: “The Apprenticeship Awards are an excellent platform to highlight organisations and individuals who are using Apprenticeships to build their businesses, enabling them to remain competitive at a national and global level. “We want to have as many employers and apprentices from this region vying for the top accolades and, therefore, would urge them to get a nomination in as soon as possible.

Skills Minister David Lammy MP said: “Apprenticeships are beneficial to all involved. They provide individuals with the training they need to unlock their potential, and employers with a skilled workforce that gives them a competitive edge.”

Employers are eligible to enter in one of four categories depending on their company size; Micro (1-9 employees), Small (10-49 employees), Medium (50-249 employees) and Large (250+ employees). They are assessed on a number of criteria including their commitment to developing their workforce through Apprenticeships and clear demonstration of the way the programme has benefited their business.

To enter the Awards, or for more information, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 0800 954 8896. Deadline for entries is Friday 29 February.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .