Now in its seventh year, this high profile city-wide event is seeking nominations for outstanding apprentices and employers of apprentices by 6 October, for the Awards Ceremony in November.

Led by City of York Council in partnership with The Guilds of York and training providers, the Annual York Graduation and Awards Ceremony has been a growing success.

Over the last year around 1700 York employees have benefited from apprenticeship training as businesses have created jobs and taken on new apprentice recruits or supported the professional development of their existing staff.

This year’s ceremony at the Grand Opera House on 8 November will showcase the individual and business benefits of apprenticeship training and celebrate the achievements of the city’s outstanding apprentices and businesses employing apprentices.

There are five categories for the awards: Apprentice of the Year aged 16-24 (smaller business); Apprentice of the Year aged 16-24 (Larger Employer), Apprentice of the Year aged 25 or over, Smaller Employer of the Year and Larger Employer of the Year.

Last year’s apprentice winners were Shane Fenton (Ambulance Care Assistant for Yormed), Louis Watson (Developer at PureNet/PureClarity) and joint winners, in the 25 and overs category, Nicky Smith (Facilities Assistant at Joseph Rowntree Foundation) and Nicola Eastwood (Senior Carer at The Lodge, Roseville Holdings ltd). Employer winners were York Millennium Windows and Nestlé .

Cllr Keith Orrell, Executive Member for Economic Development and Community Engagement, said: “We are constantly striving to boost apprenticeship training in York to benefit the development of both new recruits and existing members of staff in local businesses and organisations. The amazing achievements and career progression of those nominated and graduating reveals how much talent there is in our wonderful city.”

This high profile annual graduation and awards ceremony highlights the talent and skills York has to support the growth of local business.

Those who have completed an apprenticeship qualification in York or with a York employer or training provider between November 1 2016 and October 31 2017, are eligible to graduate this year.

*To register to graduate, nominate your apprentice or employer for an award or for more information, email york.apprenticeships@york.gov.uk, call 01904 553732 or fill in our online form at www.york.gov.uk/apprenticeshipevents.