Local apprentices will be eagerly awaiting the inaugural Dorset Apprenticeship Awards ceremony which is taking place at a celebratory lunch with dignitaries on 18 May.

Dorset Chamber has joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network and sponsors manufacturing firm Superior Seals for the initiative.

The finalists are:

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Ellie Edmonds (ABP Yetminster); Lewis Cogman (YMCA Bournemouth); Will Perry (Caterpillar Marine Power); Ellie Taylor (J Sossins and Sons Ltd).

Advanced Apprentice of the Year: David Harper (GF Electrical Ltd); Cameron Hearn (Frettens Solicitors); Rimshah Khan (Crest Software Ltd); Brandon Long (Inoplas Technology Ltd).

Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year: Rebecca Buck (Dorset Council); Lloyd Bleese (Dorset Police); Thomas Peach (Honey Asset Finance Ltd); Abigail Squibb (Westbourne Medical Centre).

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “We are proud to announce our 12 finalists.

“It is a tremendous achievement to reach the awards shortlist and our congratulations go to them all.

“We received a superb response to these first apprenticeship awards, including many fascinating entries from apprentices in a broad range of roles and different age groups.

“It was also wonderful to see so many entries from apprentices at different levels and from across the county.

“The awards lunch promises to be a fantastic celebration of the many talented apprentices we have in Dorset and the contribution they make to our county’s businesses. Good luck to all of the apprentices on the day.”

Winners will be revealed at the awards lunch with dignitaries including the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell. Dignitaries will also include leaders of both BCP and Dorset councils.

The awards were free to enter with entries invited from apprentices and their employers.

Visit https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/dorset-apprenticeship-awards/ for more information.