Awards will pay tribute to work of city’s apprentices

AT A time when job opportunities are difficult to find for young people, Leeds is to celebrate apprenticeships across the city in an awards ceremony.

The Leeds Apprenticeship Recognition Awards, will be officially launched today, with a ceremony taking place in February next year.

Apprenticeships are a key part of the city’s employment opportunities and there has been a huge drive to increase the number of employers taking on an apprentice over the past year.

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The Leeds Apprenticeship Challenge aimed to get 100 employers to agree to take on an apprentice in 100 days – with 162 businesses offering over 300 new apprenticeship vacancies. Between August 2010 and July 2011, 6,798 apprenticeships were started in Leeds, a 93 per cent increase on the previous year.

The awards, organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with National Apprenticeship Service, will highlight organisations who are committed to offering apprenticeships, the work of apprentices and the championing of apprenticeships and how they make a positive difference to the city.

They provide an opportunity for apprentices, employers, schools, academies, learning providers and ambassadors working on apprenticeships within the city to nominate themselves or others. Entries for the awards must be submitted before Friday, November 18.

Coun Judith Blake, the council’s member with responsibility for children’s services said: “Opportunities are increasingly hard to come by for young people leaving school today, but we are committed to offering them as many ways as possible to build themselves a brighter future.

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“The number of young people beginning apprenticeships has increased massively this year, which is really encouraging. These awards present the perfect opportunity for us to thank businesses, schools and people across the city who have made this happen and who champion the idea of apprenticeships.”

Coun Peter Gruen, member with responsibility for employment and skills said: “It is very important that we celebrate all our apprentices across the city and the excellent work they have done.”

For more details visit the website: www.leeds.gov.uk/awards or email us at: [email protected]