Published at 11:44, Wednesday, 04 February 2009

THE Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the North West is urging employers and apprentices to put Cumbria on the map once more as it launches its sixth annual Apprenticeship Awards.

The search is on again to find the nation’s top apprentices and apprentice employers.

The LSC’s national Apprenticeship Awards recognise the key role that apprentices play in today’s world, and highlight employers who are successfully using apprenticeships to improve business performance.

Apprentices have a significant impact which spans the breadth of the economy from accountancy and engineering, to construction, creative industries and sport – and the Awards are designed to recognise this. Past winners include a ship builder, an IT firm, a veterinary practice and a nursery.

In 2008, around a quarter of all the entrants came from the North West. This year, the LSC in Cumbria wants local employers and apprentices to do even better, with more entrants and hopefully another national finalist or even winner.

Shortlisted entrants will be honoured at the Cumbria Apprenticeship Awards, which could be the first step to regional and national glory.

There are three categories open to apprentices; Young Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Advanced Apprentice of the Year. The three individual award categories acknowledge and celebrate apprentices’ exceptional contributions to their workplaces, where they have made a real difference by exceeding expectations and delivering measurable results. Employers of all sizes can eligible for the employer awards.

They are assessed on a number of criteria including implementation of the apprenticeship programme, clear demonstration of the way apprenticeships have benefited their business and the level of support provided to their apprentices.

Launching the 2009 awards, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham urged the nation to get behind apprenticeships: “This government has rescued and expanded apprenticeships," he said. 

“Ten years ago, only 65,000 people started an apprenticeship. By 2007/08, this number had increased almost three-and-a-half times to 225,000.

“And we are determined to do more. In the Queen’s speech we announced that we are going legislate so that every suitably qualified young person has an entitlement to an apprenticeship.

“Apprenticeships are becoming a mainstream option for young people and adults who want to get on. And we hope that by the end of the next decade, one in five young people will start an apprenticeship.

“The LSC’s annual awards are a fantastic opportunity for employers to showcase the best apprenticeship schemes and celebrate the talents of their apprentices and I encourage employers to come forward and take part.”

To enter the Awards, or for more information, visit apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 0800 954 8896. Deadline for entries is February 27. Regional Apprenticeship Awards category winners will automatically be entered into the national Apprenticeship Awards. The winners’ event will be held on July 16 at Old Billingsgate Market, Central London.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk