Search is on for top St Helens apprentice (From St Helens Star)

Search is on for top St Helens apprentice

6:00am Friday 4th January 2013 in News

THESE youngsters landed apprenticeships with Helena Partnerships in St Helens

COUNCIL leader Marie Rimmer is urging people to enter a major new awards which aim to salute our best apprentices.

Marie is inviting youngsters and their employers to fly the flag for St Helens by signing up for the first ever Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards.

One of the awards will feature the top trainee in St Helens.

Across the area many thousands of people are taking their first step on the employment ladder by training with local firms.

St Helens has been particularly successful in creating new apprenticeships, especially thanks to combined efforts from St Helens chamber and St Helens Council. One notable campaign saw 100 apprenticeships being created in 100 days in 2011.

The awards are open to apprentices and employers in St Helens, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, and are sponsored by the Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation.

They celebrate the star workers of tomorrow – and recognise employers who go the extra mile to provide support and encouragement for apprentices.

Marie Rimmer said: “There are so many people who just need a chance to prove themselves, and apprenticeships are a great way for them to gain skills and earn the right to compete for a permanent job.

“This is a chance for companies to gain recognition for their commitment to apprenticeships.”

There are 10 awards and three categories to consider. They are: Category One – Apprentice of the Year (16-24) – there will be six individual awards one for each borough Category Two – Apprentice of the Year (Over 25) – one award with entrants from any of the six boroughs In both of these categories, judges will be looking for examples of commitment, contribution, success and progress made by the nominated apprentice.

Category Three – Apprentice Employer of the Year – three awards one each for small, large and macro employers In this category, judges are looking for the commitment that an organisation makes to its apprentices, how they ensure they have a good experience and how success is measured.

The event is sponsored by the Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation, which champions and supports more than 50 Merseyside work based learning providers. Entries must be submitted by Friday, January 18, 2013 and the winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in March at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, attended by 500 guests. The application form can be found at: lcrskillsforgrowth.org.uk