Co-owner of the Ark Day Nursery, Jo Brock,
with one of her pupils

Three regional finalists make the 2008 national Apprenticeship Awards

The LSC national Apprenticeship Awards has received a record number of entries and three of the finalists hail from Yorkshire and the Humber.

Now in its fifth year, the 40% rise in entries, from 1,000 last year to 1,400 this year, is welcomed by the Government which has Apprenticeships high on its national agenda and is encouraging more employers to offer Apprenticeship schemes.

Claire Harrison of Skipton is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category and two employers from the region have also reached the final: Complete Computer Systems of Leeds is a finalist in the Micro Employer of the Year category and the Ark Day Nursery of Halifax is a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year Category.

Apprenticeship of the Year finalist,
Claire Harrison

The four apprentice categories acknowledge and celebrate apprentices' exceptional contributions to their workplaces, where entrants have made a real difference to the business they work in by exceeding expectations and delivering measurable benefits.

Claire Harrison, aged 21, completed her Apprenticeship in Team Leading at North Lancashire Training Group. She said: "My Apprenticeship has made my confidence soar. Before I started I had nothing to show for myself. I now understand that I can complete high-standard work and achieve qualifications to really help me get on in life."

The Awards are designed to recognise those employers who are successfully using Apprenticeships to improve business performance, and the hard work and the commitment of individuals currently on, or who have recently completed an Apprenticeship.

Bill Lumsden, managing director at Leeds-based Complete Computer Systems, believes that ‘on the job' training combined with academic knowledge produces the best technicians, benefiting both the employer and employee. Bill explained: "The real gains from Apprenticeships are to be found in the moulding of the young person in attitude, determination and flexibility; all essential in running a small business where our customers expect a personal touch. I look upon Apprenticeships as a long term investment that will eventually pay dividends."

Complete Computer Systems employees
with owner, Bill Lumsden (far right)

The three Yorkshire and Humber representatives will join the other 21 finalists at the national Apprenticeship Awards ceremony on Thursday 10 July, to be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in Central London.

David Lammy, Minister for Skills, commented: "The expansion of the Apprenticeships programme is absolutely key to this Government's effort to equip people with the skills and qualifications that count - and will ensure employers have ready access to the enthusiastic and talented people they need to help them grow. I congratulate every employer and apprentice who has taken part in these awards."

Margaret Coleman, regional director for the LSC in Yorkshire and the Humber, commented: "The high volume and calibre of entries to this year's Awards are testimony to the real benefits Apprenticeships bring to both employers and individuals alike. The finalists demonstrate the outstanding contribution apprentices and businesses are making to raise the nation's skills levels and improve productivity and competitiveness."

The winners of the Apprenticeship Awards are announced on 10 July. Click here for more information.

To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 400