WIREDGOV

The search is on to find England's top apprenticeship employers and top individual apprentices as the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) launches its prestigious sixth annual National Apprenticeship Awards.

Sponsored by City & Guilds, the Apprenticeship Awards are designed to recognise employers who are successfully using apprenticeships to improve their businesses' performance and champion the key role apprentices play in today's business world. 

Apprenticeships are crucial for providing employers with the skills they need to succeed, particularly in the current climate, spanning the breadth of the economy from accountancy and engineering, to construction, creative industries and sport. Apprenticeships also provide a high-quality alternative route to future career success for ambitious individuals.

There are five categories for employers depending on company size: Micro (1-9 employees), Small (10-49 employees), Medium (50-249 employees), Large (250-4,999 employees) and the new Macro size category that will cover businesses with over 5,000 employees.

Apprentices can enter one of the three categories open to them: Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and Young Apprentice of the Year.

For more information and how to apply, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 0800 954 8896.

The deadline for entries is Friday 27th February.