The organisation behind the National Training Awards has cited a greater desire among companies to show they invest in training as the reason for an increase in entries this year.

UK Skills, which runs the awards for the Department for Education and Skills, said that entries had come from companies and individuals from all over the UK.

Over-all England provided 79% of all entries, but Scotland saw a 26% increase in entries and Northern Ireland achieved a 10% rise on 2003.

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) were also well represented with 53% of entries from businesses with under 250 employees.

Dr Graeme Hall, Acting Chief Executive at UK Skills, said: "The continued high levels of National Training Awards entries shows that organisations and individuals are taking skills development more and more seriously.

"The UK is seeing growth in employment levels, giving employees greater choice when looking for the right job. Workplace learning gives organisations a competitive advantage, helping to boost both staff retention and company productivity."