THERE is a record number of entries for this year's Worcestershire Apprentice Awards.

Judges have described the finalists as highlighting the exceptionally positive contribution that apprenticeships have on the local workforce.

The award ceremony is on Thursday, November 16, at West Midland Safari Park, and is set to attract over 300 people.

Tables are now on sale and spaces are limited. Seats cost £85 each or £800 for a table of ten.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “To reach the finals of the awards is an incredible achievement and highlights the outstanding ability and dedication of our local apprentices, employers, schools and training providers. I look forward to celebrating these achievements at the awards and I would urge all interested parties to book their place at the event as soon as possible.”

Cllr Marcus Hart of Worcestershire County Council said: “My congratulations go to everyone who has been shortlisted. The fantastic quality of this year’s entries and nominations highlights the hugely positive impact that apprenticeships have for the growth of apprentices and businesses all over the county.”

School of the year, sponsored by the Careers and Enterprise Company: Droitwich Spa High School; Pershore High School; Worcester Sixth Form College.

Intermediate apprentice of the year, sponsored by Titania: Ben Hyde, Sanctuary Group, Worcester; Marc Dixon, Amtek Components, Kidderminster; Michael Hope, Thursfields Solicitors, Worcester.

Advanced apprentice of the year, sponsored by Southco Manufacturing: Dale Astley, Yamazaki Mazak, Worcester; Lauren Baker, Green Lighting, Worcester; Tom Morris, Morgan, Malvern.

Higher apprentice of the year, sponsored by Morgan: Emily Draper, Worcester Cathedral; James Ashcroft, Sanctuary Group; Ryan Harrison, Titania, Worcester.

Newcomer apprenticeship employer, sponsored by Vestia Community Trust: AW Computers, Redditch; Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, Kidderminster; Ping Marketing, Evesham.

Small apprenticeship employer of the year, sponsored by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce: Bradley Haynes Law, Worcester; Buzz Electrical, Evesham; Green Lighting, Worcester.

Medium apprenticeship employer of the year, sponsored by WBL Consultancy: CP Foods UK, Kidderminster, GT Access, Bromsgrove; Heller Machine Tools, Redditch.

Large apprenticeship employer of the year, sponsored by Sanctuary Group: Amada UK, Kidderminster; Southco Manufacturing, Worcester; Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

Apprentice ambassador of the year, sponsored by Heartbeat: Faisal Ziab, Sanctuary Group; Pippa Dressler-Pearson, Southco Manufacturing; Sam Batkin, Ormerod Rutter, Droitwich.