Last chance to help find top apprentice

8th August 2014

Businesses urged to nominate in Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship Awards.

Businesses in the Highlands are being urged to make the most of their last chance to nominate in the search for Scotland's top apprentice.

Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of Modern Apprentices and their employers across the country.

More than 25,000 people start Modern Apprenticeships each year to earn while they learn and gain industry recognised qualifications.

Nominations for the awards, which are organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), close later this month.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women's Employment, said: "The Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment to Scotland’s Modern Apprentices by ensuring there will be at least 30,000 new opportunities every year by 2020.

"The annual awards are an excellent opportunity to both recognise the firms that make a contribution to our economic prosperity by helping train new employees and celebrate the achievements of those who have brought enthusiasm and drive to the organisations that have taken them on."

The awards are supported by businesses, local authorities, colleges and training providers across the country.

SDS Chief Executive, Damien Yeates, said: “The deadline for entries is 20 August so there’s still time for Highland employers to nominate their star apprentices.

“Employers across the country see the benefits apprentices bring to their business, individuals and the local community day-in and day-out.

“The awards recognise the hard work of trainees and the steadfast commitment of employers who support the Modern Apprenticeship programme."

There are nine categories including Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice Ambassador of the Year and awards for different sized businesses as well as public sector employers.

The awards will be held in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on November 5.

The deadline for entries is noon August 20 with full details on www.scotlandsmaawards.com