THE Dorset Apprenticeship Awards have opened for entries to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

Dorset Chamber has joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network for the initiative with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior Seals.

The categories are: Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year; Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year; Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year; and Degree Apprentice of the Year.

Entries are invited from apprentices and their employers across the private, public and charitable sectors.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “These awards will celebrate the hugely important contribution that apprentices make to business in Dorset.

“They also aim to recognise the personal achievements of apprentices and the impact of the apprenticeship programme on lives.

“Apprentices are the future of our business community. The inaugural awards held last year highlighted some truly inspirational stories and I’m looking forward to seeing more incredible entries this time around.”

Entrants must be currently undertaking an apprenticeship programme, or have completed a programme within the past 12 months. Entries close on March 17.

Tim Brown, managing director of Wimborne-based Superior Seals, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards once again as we are passionate believers in the benefits of apprenticeship training. “Superior’s own experiences and results have far exceeded our expectations, and we are dedicated to encouraging other organisations to discover the fantastic advantages that having skilled apprentices within your system will bring.”

Each finalist, along with three guests, will be invited to an awards celebration lunch on May 16, with trophies presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset.

Visit dorsetchamber.co.uk/dorset-apprenticeship-awards for details