Apprentices and trainees are to be acknowledged for their endeavours.

Dorset Chamber has joined forces with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network for the inaugural Dorset Apprenticeship Awards with sponsorship from manufacturing firm Superior Seals.

The five categories are: Trainee of the Year (Traineeship); Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year; Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year; Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year and Degree Apprentice of the Year.

They are free to enter with entries invited from apprentices and their employers.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “These new awards will celebrate the hugely important contribution that apprentices make to business in Dorset.

“They also aim to recognise the personal achievements of apprentices and the impact of the apprenticeship programme on lives.

“Apprentices are the future of our business community. I’m looking forward to seeing some inspirational entries and success stories.”

Entrants must be undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship programme, or have completed a programme within the last 12 months.

Tim Brown, managing director of Wimborne-based Superior Seals, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards as we are passionate believers in the benefits of apprenticeship training.

“Superior’s own experiences and results have far exceeded our expectations, and we are dedicated to encouraging other organisations to discover the fantastic advantages that having skilled apprentices within your system will bring.”

Each finalist, along with two guests and their employer, will be invited to an awards celebration lunch on 18 May.

Winners will be presented with their trophy by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in front of dignitaries. Each winner will be profiled in the Dorset Business Focus magazine.

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