THE search is on for our leading apprentices and their employers.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has launched the Apprenticeship Awards 2008.

Employers of all sizes and industry sectors across Kent and the south east are being urged to enter the contest.

The south east was well represented at the 2007 awards, with three finalists coming from the region, but none from Kent or Medway.

The Apprenticeship Awards are held annually to celebrate the success of apprentices who have made a real difference to their future and to the organisation they work for.

They also recognise the work of employers who are successfully tackling skills shortages to build their future workforce through apprenticeships.

Speaking at the recent launch event in London, Skills Minister, David Lammy MP, said: "Apprenticeships are integral to combating the nation’s skills shortages. They stimulate innovation, give businesses the skills they need and provide opportunities for individuals to fulfil their potential.

"The government has recently announced that there will be 500,000 new apprenticeship places by 2020 so that even more employers and individuals can reap the benefits."

Henry Ball, the LSC’s regional director, added: "Apprenticeships are a more attractive option than ever before for those employers wanting to take control of the future of their business by investing in skills.

"Today, around 14,500 employers in the South East are using apprenticeships to improve their business performance, while giving talented individuals the opportunity to achieve their goals."

Employers are eligible to enter one of three categories depending on their company size; small (1-49 employees), medium (50-249 employees) and large (250+ employees).

Apprentices can qualify in four categories: Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Young Apprentice of the Year and Personal Achiever of the Year.

The regional awards will be presentat at Ascot Racecourse on May 22. All winners and highly commended entrants in the apprenticeship categories will be considered for a National Apprenticeship Award at a prestigious event on July 10.

The deadline for entries is February 29.

For more information, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 0800 954 8896.