Home > News > July 2008 > 14 July 2008

LSC announces winners of 2008 Apprenticeship Awards

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have announced the winners of the national Apprenticeship Awards 2008.

Now in their fifth year, the Awards are designed to recognise the hard work and commitment of people who are currently undertaking, or who have recently completed, an Apprenticeship, as well as the employers who are successfully using Apprenticeships to improve business performance.

The 2008 Apprenticeship Award winners included:

• Young Apprentice of the Year: Luke Power
• Apprentice of the Year: Claire Harrison
• Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Rachael Hoyle
• Personal Achiever of the Year: Victoria Snook
• Large Employer of the Year (250+ employees): Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth, Cornwall
• Medium Employer of the Year (50 - 249 employees): Mark Wilkinson Furniture, Bromham, Wiltshire
• Small Employer of the Year (10 - 49 employees): Arcana Hair and Beauty, Milton Keynes
• Micro Employer of the Year (1 - 9 employees): Kingscliffe Day Nursery, Loughborough, Leicestershire

John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said: "For many people, skills and learning are the key to improving their lives - whether getting into and on at work, improving their job prospects or simply putting more money into their pockets.

"Apprenticeships have been 'key' in making that happen over recent years, but we need to go even further. Our aim must be to raise skill levels and in turn boost the job prospects of people in the UK and Apprenticeships are vital if we are to give everyone the skills they need to succeed in the global economy."

This year's Apprenticeship Awards attracted almost 1,400 entries from individuals and companies across England. The Awards ceremony was held on 10th July at the Royal Horticultural Hall in Central London, where TV star Amanda Holden presented the Awards.

Stephen Gardner, Director of Apprenticeships at the LSC said: "Once again it is so inspiring to witness the dedication, drive and enthusiasm of these apprentices - not only our winners, whom we recognise tonight, but all apprentices around the country who are pursuing their chosen careers.

"It is clear that to remain competitive, the UK needs to ensure more people are learning useful skills and Apprenticeships have shown themselves to be key in making that happen, while giving people and businesses real opportunities to succeed. Thanks to dynamic young people, enlightened employers and a supportive delivery system, Apprenticeships have a really bright future. The Apprenticeship programme makes a real difference to all concerned and I'm delighted to see such great examples at the Awards tonight."

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For more information about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

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