Edinburgh Evening News launches Apprenticeship Awards 2021 - here's how to nominate

Apprenticeship schemes are a key route into future employment for thousands of young people and anyone looking for a career switch.

This year, the Edinburgh Evening News will be running the inaugural Edinburgh Apprenticeship Awards to celebrate the best apprentices and employers across the Capital.

Nominations are now open and will close on February 15, with a virtual awards set to take place on March 4.

The main award of the night will be the Edinburgh Apprentice of the Year but there will be 13 award categories in total.

The other award categories are:

SME Apprentice Employer of the Year

Large Business Apprentice Employer

Diversity and Inclusion programme

An Openreach trainer with apprentices in a pole yard. Pic: Monty Rakusen

Training Provider/Programme of the Year

Rising Star

Mentor of the Year

Foundation Apprentice of the Year

Nominations are now open for the Edinburgh Apprenticeship Awards 2021, sponsored by Openreach.

Modern Apprentice of the Year

Graduate Apprentice of the Year

Business & Law Apprentice of the Year

Health & Public Service Apprentice of the Year

Engineering/Manufacturing & Construction Apprentice

In each case, employers and apprentices are expected to provide evidence of how they excel in their category and why they think they should receive the award – and some require testimonies from apprentices, employers or mentors.

The event, sponsored by Openreach, was due to launch around the same time in 2020 but was postponed due to the global Covid pandemic.

Openreach, which has recruited about 600 apprentices across Scotland in recent years including more than 60 posts in Edinburgh, say they are excited to be supporting the inaugural Edinburgh Apprenticeship Awards.

The national digital network provider has also just announced plans to add 275 more trainees in 2021, including 36 posts for Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Their recruits come from all backgrounds - from school leavers, lifeguards and veterinary nurses to bus drivers, butchers and former armed forces personnel.

With the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment Strategy ambition to reach 30,000 apprenticeship starts annually by 2020, apprenticeship schemes are fast becoming a strong route to future employment for many young people.

The inaugural Edinburgh Apprenticeship Awards will recognise and reward both the apprentices and their employers that are excelling across the city.

More details about the award categories and how to enter can be found online HERE.

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