The inaugural gala ceremony for a major new apprenticeships awards takes place tonight.

The East Kent Apprenticeship Awards aims to recognise both apprentices and those businesses and organisations providing the opportunities.

A total of 13 categories are up for grabs, with the winners announced this evening (Thursday) at The Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs.

The hotel is owned and operated by the EKC Group which runs the neighbouring East Kent College.

It is organising the event in collaboration with Sandwich-based creative and digital agency Pillory Barn.

The awards will coincide with National Apprenticeship Week which runs until the end of the week.

Paul Sayers, executive director strategy and partnerships at EKC Group said: “Across east Kent, and the whole of the UK, more and more employers are reaping the benefits apprentices can bring to their business.

"In turn, by supporting apprenticeships, those employers are helping transform lives, giving today’s young people greater opportunities to build the skills and experience they need to grow and develop.

"It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate that during this year’s National Apprenticeships Week, and we’re very proud to be supporting the first ever East Kent Apprenticeship Awards.”

The awards are supported by Pfizer, Discovery Park, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and the KM Media Group.