NEW AWARDS have been launched to celebrate excellence among apprentices and trainees in Dorset.

Dorset Chamber has joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network for the initiative, with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior Seals.

Entries have opened for the inaugural Dorset Apprenticeship Awards with honours to be presented in five categories at a ceremony with the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in May.

The categories are Trainee of the year (traineeship), Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year, Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year, Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year and Degree Apprentice of the Year.

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The awards are free to enter with entries invited from apprentices and their employers.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “These new awards will celebrate the hugely important contribution that apprentices make to business in Dorset.

“They also aim to recognise the personal achievements of apprentices and the impact of the apprenticeship programme on lives.

“Apprentices are the future of our business community. I’m looking forward to seeing some inspirational entries and success stories.”

Entrants must be undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship programme or have completed a programme within the last twelve months.

Each finalist, along with two guests and their employer, will be invited to an awards celebration lunch on May 18.

Winners will be presented with their trophy by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in front of dignitaries.

Each winner will be profiled in the Dorset Business Focus magazine.

Visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/dorset-apprenticeship-awards/ for more information and to enter.