Education and Skills Funding Agency
91 employers and 84 individuals are competing for awards in ten categories in the regional stage of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2017, after beating off competition from almost 800 entries.
The 2017 awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service and now in their 14th year, recognise employers and apprentices from across England. The awards recognise excellent businesses that grow their own talent with apprenticeships and apprentices, who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.
The award categories are:
Employer categories
- Small Employer of the Year
- Medium Employer of the Year
- Large Employer of the Year
- Macro Employer of the Year
- Newcomer SME of the Year
- Newcomer Large Employer of the Year
Apprentice categories
- Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
- Advanced Apprentice of the Year
- Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year
- Apprenticeship Champion of the Year
The very best employer category entries will also feature in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List 2017.
Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service said:
Our awards are an exciting opportunity to recognise the hard work and success of apprentices and the commitment of apprenticeship employers. The regional finalists announced today demonstrate promise and drive and have a real enthusiasm for the apprenticeship programme.
Our finalists show clearly the impact of apprenticeships on skills and on how businesses perform. I applaud every finalist for getting this far and I look forward to celebrating the achievements and loyalty of winners. I wish everyone the best as we move into the next phase of this competition.
Winners and highly commended entries from all regions across England will be recognised at one of 6 celebration events held across the country this autumn. After the regional ceremonies, winners will progress to the next stage of the competition, where their applications will be assessed by a national judging panel. National finalists will be announced in December and will be invited to a national, final ceremony on 18 January 2018 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Last years Advanced Apprentice of the Year regional award winner Emma Goulding from Siemens concluded:
Every apprentice deserves the opportunity to showcase their achievements and be recognised for their contribution to both their business and industry which they work in. Its humbling to be recognised for my hard work and determination in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2016 as a regional winner. Good luck to all the finalists this year!
Share your #AppAwards17 success on social media: tweet @Apprenticeships.