Successful employers, inspirational learners and dedicated work-based learning practitioners across Wales are being encouraged to enter the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2021 to showcase their outstanding achievements.

Minister for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “Apprenticeship and traineeship programmes make a huge contribution to our economy and will be crucial as we recover from the impacts of coronavirus.

"That is why they form a vital part of our recently announced £40m jobs and skills package, which will see more support being made available.

“Despite this being an incredibly challenging time, we have seen the talent and on-going commitment of our businesses, providers and learners shine through. The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provides a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those involved in our programmes and inspire others to follow their example.

“I encourage them all to use this occasion to share their experiences and successful learning journeys with us.”

Application forms are available to be downloaded from gov.wales/apprenticeshipawardscymru and the closing date for entries is 12 noon, October 30 2020.

The employability category includes awards for Traineeship Learner of the Year for Engagement and Level 1.

There are also awards for the Foundation Apprentice, Apprentice and Higher Apprentice of the Year.

Introduced last year, the “Tomorrow’s Talent” category gives employers the opportunity to nominate a current apprentice who has ‘demonstrated significant personal progress’ and has made ‘a tangible and positive impact on the employer’s organisational performance.’

The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.