THE cream of Dorset’s apprentices were honoured at an awards ceremony which heard calls for more people to consider apprenticeships as an alternative to university.

The county’s first Apprentice of the Year Award was hosted by sponsor and manufacturer Superior Seals.

Dorset Chamber joined Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network to organise the awards, with prizes for intermediate, advanced and higher/degree apprentices.

Superior’s managing director Tim Brown, who received the MBE for his services to apprenticeships, said the employer had taken responsibility for training the next generation in the skills that would be needed by the marketplace.

“We call this growing our own timber,” he told the guests at the Ferndown factory.

He added: “Our apprentices finish their training with a nationally recognised qualification, no student debt and no loans. I think this gives them a fantastic start and the life skills that will help them fulfil their potential both inside and outside the workplace.”

The awards were presented by Dorset’s Lord-Lieutenant, Angus Campbell, who said: “The extraordinary value of apprenticeships gets lost from time to time.”

The award for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year went to Ellie Edmonds, taking an apprenticeship in business administration at ABP Food Group, Yetminster. Other finalists were Ellie Taylor of J Sossins and Sons, Lewis Cogman of YMCA Bournemouth and Will Perry of Caterpillar Marine Power.

Advanced Apprentice of the Year was Cameron Hearn, digital marketing apprenticeship apparentice at Frettens Solicitors. Rimshah Khan of Crest Software, David Harper of GF Electrical and Brandon Long of Inoplas Technology were fellow finalists.

Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year was Rebecca Buck, the first solicitor apprentice at Dorset Council, who juggles a job and training with raising two young children. Lloyd Bleese of Dorset Police, Abigail Squibb of Westbourne Medical Centre and Thomas Peach of Honey Asset Finance were also shortlisted.

Guests at the awards ceremony included business people and senior figures from BCP Council and Dorset Council.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “This was a tremendous celebration of the value of apprentices to our businesses.

“Ellie, Cameron and Rebecca were all very worthy winners who have all demonstrated exceptional determination, talent and commitment to succeed.

“They can be very proud of themselves for their achievements and for representing the excellence which so many apprentices show on a daily basis in our county.”