Glory for top extractives industry apprentices

THE search is on for the country’s most outstanding apprentices in the process and manufacturing sector following the launch of a new award scheme by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the coatings, glass, print, building products and extractives industries.

The best apprentices in three categories will be announced at a ceremony in the autumn, and entrants from England will also be put forward to the highly regarded Learning and Skills Council apprenticeship awards.

Nominations are being invited from either individuals or companies, by Friday 20 February 2007, for the categories of ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’. Judges will select a winner and runner-up from each category, plus a ‘Personal Achiever of the Year’.

Commenting on the new scheme, Terry Watts from Proskills said: ‘One of Proskills’ key objectives is to encourage more employers in the industries we represent to offer apprenticeships. They can boost your business by bringing in fresh ideas and allow you to develop the skilled staff that you need for the future. To this end, Proskills is continuing to develop apprenticeship frameworks jointly with employers to ensure that they are relevant and business-focused.

‘This awards scheme will not only benefit apprentices, but the accompanying media coverage will also raise the profile of the companies that they work for, particularly as candidates – and their employers – will be put forward to a high-profile national award scheme.’

In the categories of Apprentice of the Year and Advanced Apprentice of the Year, the panel of judges will be looking, in particular, for: a commitment to personal development and progression through learning; outstanding contributions to the workplace, in particular areas or projects where expectations have been exceeded; examples of achievement and attainment in learning and work; and inspirational qualities.

Successful candidates in the Personal Achiever of the Year category will need to have displayed true determination in working towards their learning goals, perhaps by overcoming particular obstacles and barriers to learning or at work.

Winning candidates will receive prizes of up to £500, with £200 for the runners-up. They will also be guaranteed regional and national press coverage, which will promote their achievements and individual profiles. All English entrants will be put forward for the National Apprenticeship of the Year Awards, run by the Learning Skills Council.

Further guidance and application forms for the new Apprenticeship Awards 2007 can be obtained from the Proskills’ website. All applicants must either be working towards or have completed an apprenticeship/advanced apprenticeship, or started their apprenticeship since April 2004.