Training professionals who have proved themselves to be stars in their field will be heading to London for an awards ceremony this autumn.

From more than 3,400 individuals nominated for a STAR award, a judging panel has whittled the nominations down to a short list of just over 150 nominees across 16 prize categories.

The awards, now in their second year, are by nomination only and are designed to champion the unsung heroes of the learning and skills sector.

The short-listed nominees and guests will invited to attend the STAR Awards ceremony in London on 11 October, where the 16 prize winners will be announced.

Each category offers the chance for winners to take home a £2,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate, and there’s £5,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate up for grabs for the winning team.

Bill Rammell, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education said of those short-listed: "To have been selected out of so many nominations is a big achievement. It is important we recognise the dedication of people who may otherwise be unsung heroes. Their success can be an inspiration to all and their achievements used as a model of good practice.”