Deadline looming for apprenticeship awards entries

More than 900 engineering firms and employees are taking part

Engineering firms are being encouraged to enter outstanding apprentices for a national award scheme with the deadline for entries looming.

The Apprenticeship Awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and sponsored by City & Guilds, will be closed for entries on Friday 26 February. The NAS, despite having received entries for more than 900 people and organisations, said it wanted to encourage more firms to enter their apprentices.

The regional awards ceremonies will be taking place at locations across the UK. Winners from eight categories, such as regional apprentice of the year and small employer of the year, will win a trip to the national finals, which will be held in London.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the NAS, said: “With 37,000 people starting apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing technologies in 2008-2009, we want to recognise the valuable contribution that apprentices make to the economy.

“With the nomination deadline almost upon us, it’s important that entries are sent as soon as possible so that apprenticeships can be celebrated both regionally and nationally.”

To nominate an employer or an apprentice for an award visit: http://apprenticeships.org.uk/awards, or call 08000 150 600