Entries are open for awards recognising local apprentices.

The Dorset Apprenticeship awards - which aim to celebrate the success of rising stars in the workplace - have opened for entries to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “These 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. The inaugural awards held last year highlighted some truly inspirational stories and I’m looking forward to seeing more incredible entries this time around.”

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

This is the second time this annual competition has run, and awards will be presented in four categories at an awards ceremony with the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in May.

Tim Brown, managing director of Wimborne-based Superior Seals, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards once again as we are passionate believers in the benefits of apprenticeship training. 

“Superior’s own experiences and results have far exceeded our expectations, and we are dedicated to encouraging other organisations to discover the fantastic advantages that having skilled apprentices within your system will bring.”

Each finalist, along with three guests, will be invited to an awards celebration lunch on May 16.

Winners will be presented with their trophies by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in front of dignitaries. Each winner will be profiled in the Dorset Business Focus magazine.

The categories are:

•             Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year

•             Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year

•             Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year

•             Degree Apprentice of the Year

They are free to enter with entries invited from apprentices and their employers across the private, public and charitable sectors.

Entrants must be currently undertaking an apprenticeship programme, or have completed a programme within the last twelve months. Entries close on March 17.

Last year’s winners included Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Ellie Edmonds of ABP Yetminster, Advanced Apprentice of the Year Cameron Hearn of Frettens Solicitors, and Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year Rebecca Buck of Dorset Council.

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