Hospitality employers urged to enter Apprenticeship Awards

Entrants are eligible to enter in one of four categories depending on their company size; Micro (1-9 employees), Small (10-59 employees), Medium (50-249 employees) and large (over 250 employees). There are also four categories open to individuals – Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Young Apprentice of the Year, and Personal Achiever of the Year. Employers will be assessed on a number of criteria including their commitment to developing their workforce through Apprenticeships and clear demonstration of the way the programme has benefited their business. Candidates can enter the awards by visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or by calling 0800 954 8896. The awards recognise the work of employers who are using Apprenticeships to build their future workforce and tackle skills shortages within their organisation and industry. Stephen Gardner, director of Apprenticeships at the Learning and Skills Council, commented: "The Apprenticeship Awards are an excellent platform to highlight organisations and individuals who are using Apprenticeships to build their businesses, enabling them to remain competitive at a national and global level." The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Central London on 10 July.