Freelance IT trainers are to be recognised with their own category in the Institute of IT Training Awards.

The new category "Freelance Trainer of the Year" has been added in recognition of the growing importance of freelance trainers in the industry, the IITT said.

Judges will be looking for trainers with practised skills, excellent references and a history of ‘going the extra mile - delivering superb training time after time on behalf of, and to, their clients.

Recognising that freelance trainers often need to be discreet in who they are representing, the judging panel will be looking for proven case histories to back up their submission.

Colin Steed, Chief Executive of the IITT, said: “We have a huge contingent of freelance trainers and we thought it appropriate to create this special award for them.

"With the sponsorship of Broadskill, we are now delighted to announce this new award for the 2005 event and I look forward to receiving many entries for this award.”

For more information on the awards, which take place in February, go to www.ittrainingawards.com.