Apprenticeship awards open for business

Learning and Skills Council urges firms to submit entries

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has called on employers in the IT sector to submit candidates for this year's Apprenticeship Awards.

The government body is looking for apprentices who have "exceeded their employer's expectations by producing exceptional and measurable benefits". There are three categories: Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year and Young Apprentice of the Year.

Apprenticeships could benefit IT employers by providing another route for school leavers to pursue a career in the industry and gain the vital practical skills that some academic courses can neglect, according to director of apprenticeships at LSC Stephen Gardner.

"They can gain skills that make them very saleable in the employment market, and for the employer it's a very cost effective way of training the next generation of staff," he added. "It also brings highly motivated individuals into your business with fresh ideas."

Employers can also enter to be considered for the award for best apprentice training programme. There are four categories based on company size and they will be assessed on criteria including implementation of the apprenticeship programme and level of support provided to their apprentices.

Deadline for entries is 23 February.