Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2014 kicks off

More than 110 teams from British Airways to Boots Opticians have entered a contest to be crowned as apprentices of the year.

Over 1000 apprentices are taking part in Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2014, with small and medium sized businesses also represented with the likes of rugby club Bradford Bulls and Norfolk-based Saffron Housing Trust.

Last years’ winners Innovia Films from Cumbria have also entered to defend their crown along with 2012 winners, aerospace firm Cobham.

Supported by the National Apprenticeship Service, the challenge offers an enhanced Apprenticeship, offering the chance to improve team building, logistical, leadership and community skills. Each team of nine apprentices are tasked with promoting Apprenticeships through school visits, media interviews and social media activity and will take on a local community project before the end of March.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “The breadth and depth of teams signed up for the apprentice team of the year contest demonstrates the diversity of Apprenticeships now on offer – and the commitment of the country’s leading employers to hiring apprentices.

“Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and I look forward to hearing about the contribution the Brathay Apprentice Challenge teams make to their employers and their local communities.”

Godfrey Owen, chief executive of organisers Brathay Trust, said: “With each year the calibre and number of teams competing increases making this year – our third – the toughest challenge yet. We look forward to welcoming the finalists once again to our headquarters in Ambleside for the grand final of the challenge.

“The Brathay Apprentice Challenge showcases how apprentices earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future. While taking part apprentices are also gaining the benefits of an enhanced Apprenticeship, gaining skills such as team building and leadership which are key to a successful future.”

Natalie Thornhill