The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is urging employers to enter this year's National Apprenticeship Awards.

The awards are designed to recognise employers who are successfully using apprenticeships to improve business performance, and the hard work and commitment of young people currently on, or who have completed, an apprenticeship.

Entries close on 10th March and four-time Olympic Gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent and Gold medal winning cox Garry Herbert, will host the awards ceremony on 16 June at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel.

Stephen Gardner, Director of Work Based Learning at the LSC, said: "The National Apprenticeship Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution young people and UK businesses are making to raise skills levels, and improve productivity and competitiveness nationally. I encourage apprentices and employers to enter the awards this year and take part in this celebration of achievement."

To apply for the awards visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 0800 019 2083.