The first nominations into this year's Golden Apple Awards have been received.
Early entries showcase a variety of talented individuals and impressive schemes operating in Cumbria.
They include the blossoming relationship between a Carlisle secondary school and a major engineering company based in the city which is inspiring young students.
Richard Rose Morton Academy, on Wigton Road, has forged links with Bendalls Engineering, which is part of the Carrs Engineering group.
It is allowing pupils to take part in extra-curricular car racing and engineering competitions as well as Lego building contests and computer coding sessions.
Several youngsters are also going on to enjoy work placements with the firm, having seen the potential career opportunities engineering and technology have to offer.
The scheme has been nominated in the "Best Industry Engagement Initiative" category of the 2017 Golden Apple Awards.
The awards, sponsored by the University of Cumbria and Inspira, are brought to you by CN Group, which publishes The Cumberland News.
Twenty different award categories will reward excellence across all areas of education and training.
Elsewhere the impact certain individuals have made on young people and others has struck a chord with readers who want to pay tribute to those who have made a positive difference to their lives.
Rachel Denwood, pastoral head of sixth form at West Lakes Academy in Egremont, west Cumbria, has been nominated by a student who describes her as "awe inspiring".
She is also said to be "like a second mother" to many of the 16-18 year olds studying there.
In south Cumbria, Kathryn Young has been nominated in the "Best Early Years Provider" category for her provision at North Walney Primary School in Barrow.
Categories range from awards for excellence in schooling through to higher education and categories to reward some of the very best vocational and applied learning on offer.
Awards for individuals, professionals, volunteers and community awards are available.
Nominations will be considered by a panel of judges.
Shortlisted finalists will be invited to attend an awards event at The Cube at the University of Cumbria's Fusehill Street Carlisle campus where the winners will be revealed on Friday, October 6.
* To find out more about becoming a partner of the 2017 Golden Apple Awards contact business development manager Pam McLeod on 01228 612237 or email pam.mcleod@cnmedia.co.uk .
* Nominations can be submitted online at www.gaawards.co.uk or email goldenapple@cnmedia.co.uk or call Megan Norwood on 01228 612231.
2017 Golden Apple Awards categories
BEST EARLY YEARS PROVIDER
BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL
BEST SECONDARY SCHOOL
BEST FURTHER EDUCATION PROVIDER
BEST LEARNING, DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROVIDER
BEST SUPPORT STAFF
BEST TEACHING ASSISTANT
BEST EDUCATION PROFESSION NEWCOMER
BEST TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
BEST EDUCATION AND LEARNING LEADER
BEST STUDENT
BEST APPRENTICE
BEST COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
BEST INCLUSION INITIATIVE
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
BEST EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
BEST INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE
AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
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