Training departments and employers who put that X factor into their apprenticeships are being asked to put themselves forward for government-sponsored awards.

Now in their fourth year, the Apprenticeship Awards are designed to recognise and applaud those committed to developing workforce skills through apprenticeships, and those apprentices who have exceeded their employers' expectations.

Employers are eligible to enter one of four categories depending on their company size:
Micro (1-9 employees):
Small (10-49 employees):
Medium (50-249 employees);
Large (250+ employees).

The Learning Skills Council (LSC) says employers are assessed on a number of criteria including implementation of the Apprenticeship programme, clear demonstration of the way Apprenticeships have benefited their business and the level of support provided to their apprentices.

There are three apprentice categories that are designed to recognise those whose contribution to the workplace has exceeded their employer's expectations by producing exceptional and measurable benefits; Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year and Young Apprentice of the Year.

A Personal Achievement award will also be awarded to an apprentice who has overcome a barrier or obstacle – personally or in the workplace – to achieve their goals and exceed expectations.

The LSC says there are currently over 259,000 apprentices working in over 130,000 organisations in England alone, across 80 different sectors of industry.

To enter the Awards, or for more information, visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards. The deadline for entries is Friday 23rd February 2007.