Apprentice of the Year Award launched Monday, December 6, 2010 - 11:56

Nominations are now open for the Apprentice of the Year Award, which will be presented as part of the 20th Adult Learners' Week in 2011 (14 - 20 May 2011). NIACE and Pearson Work Based Learning are looking for stories of outstanding individual apprentices who have transformed not only their own lives through the apprenticeship programme, but also had a positive impact on their colleagues and the businesses they are working for; and who will act as inspirational role models to encourage others to take up apprenticeships.

Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive of NIACE, said:

"NIACE is delighted to have Pearson's support for the first Apprenticeship of the Year Award for Adult Learners' Week. Apprenticeships have three great strengths. Firstly they have widespread recognition and respect. Secondly, they are the most effective mechanism we have for more experienced workers to mentor and to teach new entrants. And thirdly, they offer systematic and structured development opportunities in vocational education of the sort that is essential for individual adults' career progression and for the wider prosperity of the economy."

"A key concern of NIACE's is that given demographic change it is even more vital than in the past that apprenticeships should be available to adults as well young people. NIACE welcomes the Government's recognition of this and the additional public resources now available. One reason NIACE is keen to offer this award is to highlight the importance of well trained staff to successful businesses. I want to encourage all employers to nominate those remarkable apprentices who have transformed their careers and had an overwhelmingly positive impact on your business."

Trevor Luker, Managing Director of Pearson Work Based Learning, said:

"We are proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year award. It is vital that people develop the right skills to support our economy to progress in their lives.

"Through our BTEC Apprenticeships, Pearson are committed to supporting employers and apprentices to reach their goals. We want to celebrate excellence throughout education, and I am pleased that apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as an excellent way for adults to continue with their education."

The closing date for nominations is 5pm, Friday 28 January 2011. NIACE is also looking for winners of the previous Adult Learners' Week Awards, as they will form part of the 20th Adult Learners' Week 2011 celebrations.

For more information about how to nominate for Adult Learners' Week Awards 2011 or about the 20th Adult Learners' Week celebrations, visit http://www.alw.org.uk/, email alw@niace.org.uk, or phone the NIACE Adult Learners' Week Team on 0116 204 4200. Nominations can also be made online.