I WOULD like to give my congratulations to the 25 apprentices, employers, training providers and schools who have been named as finalists for the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2018.

We received a large number of nominations in all 10 categories for this year’s awards and I know that the finalists highlight the hugely positive contribution that apprenticeships are having for the county and its businesses.

Our Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards will take place on Thursday, November 15, at the Tree Tops Pavilion, West Midland Safari Park, where we will announce the winners of each category.

This year’s ceremony will be presented by Bafta-nominated TV presenter, Angellica Bell, who is set to welcome a large audience of more than 300 people.

I would urge those who wish to attend the awards to secure their places at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as tables for the finals night have now gone on sale and spaces at the high-profile event are very limited. Seats cost £85 each and a table of 10 can be bought for £800.

On the theme of apprenticeships I would like to make businesses aware of the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Show taking place on October 18 at the Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium. This is an ideal event for businesses that run apprenticeship programmes and there is a chance to apply for an exhibition stand at the Show. This would be a great opportunity to promote your apprenticeship opportunities and your industry to the county’s young people.

Stands will be allocated on a first come first serve basis and this year we are expecting a record audience of over 4,000 people, so you will want to confirm your stand as soon as possible.

For more information on the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Show, the Worcestershire Apprenticeship awards or employing an apprentice, visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website, worcsapprenticeships.org.uk