Record Apprentice Entries in East Midlands

Record Apprentice Entries in East Midlands The East Midlands is top of the class, recording the highest number of entries in the UK for the forthcoming Apprenticeship Awards, according to figures released this week by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) national office.

Almost 230 entries have been received from employers and individuals across the East Midlands in nine awards categories, equivalent to one in four of all entries across the UK. Finalists will attend a ceremony hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Diane Louise Jordan, which will take place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on 2nd June 2009. Hundreds of apprentices, employers and training providers will attend the largest regional celebration of apprentices, employers and learning providers involved in vocational learning.

Tom Crompton, regional director, LSC East Midlands, said: "The Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the dedication of businesses committed to work based learning.

"In the current economic climate, it’s more important than ever that we recognise and support these talented individuals, and the businesses that invest in their training. Apprenticeships are key, not only to the success of local business, but also the economic future of the region."

The East Midlands Apprenticeship Awards are held annually to celebrate the success of apprentices who have made a real difference to their future and to the organisation for which they work. They also recognise the work of employers who are successfully tackling skills shortages to build their future workforce through Apprenticeships.

Employers are eligible to enter one of five categories depending on their company size; Micro (1-9 employees), Small (10-49 employees), Medium (50-249 employees) Large (250+ employees) and Macro (5000+ employees). 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.

In addition to the employer awards, there are three categories open to apprentices; Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and Young Apprentice of the Year. The Apprentice of the Year Awards reward people who are exceeding their employer expectations and who are making exceptional contributions to their workplaces. Perhaps they have taken on extra responsibilities, introduced a new idea, improved productivity or proved their worth as a valuable team member.

The Young Apprentice of the Year Award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate learners’ exceptional achievements during the two years of the Young Apprenticeship programme which takes place whilst they are still at school.

There will also be an award for the best Entry to Employment learner in the region. All regional winners will go forward for consideration in the LSC’s national Apprenticeship Awards 2009, with an awards ceremony on 16th July 2009 in London.