Nominations deadline approaches for Leeds apprenticeship ‘Oscars’

Caption: Proud winners at last year's Leeds Apprenticeship Awards



Time is running out to nominate the city’s top apprentices, employers and learning providers for a prestigious 2015 Leeds Apprenticeship Award.



Now in their fourth year, the awards aim to recognise the positive impact apprenticeships make to the city and the local economy.



Nominations for the awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Leeds Civic Hall’s banqueting suite, are open- with the deadline of January 23 fast approaching.



The awards take place on Tuesday, March 10, from 4pm-6pm during National Apprenticeship Week, which shines a light on the work of apprentices and those who help them find their way into a new career.



Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said:



“The Leeds Apprenticeship Awards are always a major highlight of the year because they give us the chance to celebrate the incredible contribution that apprentices and those who employ them make to ensuring Leeds is such a vibrant and successful city.



“The old image of apprenticeships as only being a way into a trade is now well and truly a thing of the past- something that’s reflected in the huge mix of people who we shine a light on at the awards.



“I’m really looking forward to welcoming our nominees to the ceremony and I’d urge everyone to get their nominations in and make sure those who work so hard get the recognition they deserve.”



Awards will be given out in six categories across two areas and are aimed at recognising the outstanding contribution of the winning apprentices as well as the investment made by employers to improve the skills of their workforce.



Apprentice of the Year will be awarded to nominees in the intermediate, advanced and higher categories and will celebrate the exceptional achievements of individuals during their apprenticeships.



Employer of the Year will also be awarded to small, medium and large employers and is aimed at recognising their investment in skills as well as showcasing the many benefits apprentices bring to local businesses.



Last year’s winners included Jasmine Cawkwell, who was named Higher Apprentice of the Year for her work with local law firm Gordons LLP.



Arena Group were awarded the tile of Medium Employer of the Year while Large Employer of the Year went to BAE Systems.



For more details about the awards including how to nominate, please visit www.leeds.gov.uk/ApprenticeshipAwards2015.



All nomination forms should be returned to LeedsApprenticeshipAwards2015@leeds.gov.uk by no later than 5pm on Friday, January 23. All of those short-listed by the judging panel will be contacted.



ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk