THERE is still time to enter a new Worcestershire-wide awards scheme which celebrates talented apprentices, schools and businesses.

There are 12 gongs up for grabs in the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Apprenticeship Awards which closes for nominations tomorrow (Friday).

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to an awards dinner on November 27 at the Tree Tops Pavillion, in the West Midlands Safari Park.

And BBC Apprentice fans will be in for a treat as Nick Hewer, one of Lord Sugar's advisers, will be presenting the awards.

Gary Woodman, Executive Director at Worcestershire LEF, said: β€œThe closing date for the awards is fast approaching and I really want to encourage businesses, individuals and schools to put themselves forward – or nominate others, as applicable.

"We are particularly keen to encourage businesses to come forward and nominate themselves for an Award.

"There are many exemplary Apprenticeship Schemes being run throughout Worcestershire and we want to applaud and recognise the achievements being made through these new Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards.”

Nominations for all categories have been flying in thick and fast and awards organisers want to remind people businesses can nominate themselves for the Employer of the Year award and do not have to rely on being nominated by others.

The award, sponsored by Worcester Bosch, recognises employers who have shown outstanding commitment and contribution to the success of their apprentice or apprentices.

Businesses can also enter large business provider of the year, sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak, medium business provider of the year, sponsored by E-Response Recruitment and micro/small business provider of the year, sponsored by Central Technology Belt.

Judges will want to know how apprenticeships have been embedded into the business, why the business has decided to invest in apprenticeships and how apprenticeships have benefited their business.

Former apprentices or inspirational scheme ambassadors are also being celebrated at the new awards event.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) is open to those who started their career as an apprentice and have climbed up the ranks to a senior position.

People who have been inspirational ambassadors for Apprenticeships and Apprenticeship growth in Worcestershire are also being encouraged to enter.

For details and to enter, visit business-central.co.uk/apprenticeawards.