Lincolnshire and Rutland will be experiencing their first awards ceremony, to be held at the Walkers Stadium in Leister, on March 16th, and the LSC is currently encouraging the nomination of dynamic, enthusiastic and committed young apprentices and their employers. Nominations can be made by individuals, companies, employers and training providers. Those honoured through nomination will also be put forward for consideration at the national awards, to be held in June.

Dynamic Honours

The LSC feels that by honouring dynamic, apprentices young people, who are not currently in full time education, can be encouraged to join programs and become reintroduced to education and training. Apprenticeships offer young people between the ages of 16 "“ 18 an opportunity to gain both valuable work experience and formal training in a program catering to individual learning needs and styles. It also offers an alternative to full time education and, due to its combination of work and day release training, provides employed status and an income.

By learning skills within a particular field employment an introduction to a particular career path is made possible bridging the gap between full time schooling and the world of work. Employers are able to develop specific, in-demand skills and by recognising these achievements the LSC is able to further their goal "to make England better skilled and more competitive."

Award Categories

The awards are split into four categories. Two of these honour the apprentices themselves, whilst the others recognise the contribution of the employer. The Apprentice of the Year Award and the Personal Achievement Award acknowledge young people who have made outstanding contributions to their businesses, exceeded expectations and overcome obstacles within their apprenticeship training. The Employer Award and Work Experience Award recognise the important role businesses play in developing skills and talents within young people.

Apprenticeships offer exponential value to young people, particularly those who have an aptitude for practical, kinaesthetic and experiential learning. Furthermore, they provide an alternative for those who have become disillusioned by the rigid testing and academic nature of formal schooling. By encouraging these individuals through an awards scheme the LSC recognises not only their individual talents and achievements but also adds a degree of credit and status to this type of training.

Businesses which provide for on the job training are expanding the range of choices for young people as well as ensuring that the needs of their own organisation are met, through specific training and mentoring, creating one of the most targeted types of education available to those embarking on a working life. Through work based training the goal of developing skills within the work force, enhancing both the learning of the individual as well as meeting key needs within industry, becomes realisable.

Sarah Chard

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