Employers recognised for their commitment to training have urged more local firms and trainees to bid for gongs from the National Apprenticeship Service.

Current apprentices and employers across Bradford are being encouraged to enter the 2014 National Apprenticeship Awards, which recognise achievements regionally and nationally.

Nick Wilson, deputy regional director for The Skills Funding Agency, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards recognise the success of employers in growing their own talent and developing a motivated, skilled and qualifies workforce. They also recognise the crucial role skills play in helping individuals develop fulfilling careers.

“Entering is a real opportunity for employers and individuals to gain the recognition they deserve for building the national skills base.”

Last year, regional winners included Bradford and Leeds law firm Gordons, which won the newcomer award for its pioneering legal apprenticeship scheme.

Robert Cowling, of Gordons, said: “We employ apprentices across a range of legal disciplines and were the first law firm to unveil an annual apprenticeship programme, offering legal careers to school leavers from underprivileged areas whose entry into the profession would be otherwise impossible.

“The contribution of our apprentices has been outstanding – generating over £300,000 of fee income and providing us with a vital supply of future talent.”

Helen Roe, of the Exceed Training Academy and Salon in Clayton Heights, was also a regional winner in 2013 when she scooped the Apprenticeship champion of the year prize.

Helen said: “I completed my apprenticeship in hairdressing 22 years ago – allowing me to start a lifelong journey in education and training. As a result, I now run two successful Bradford-based businesses – a salon and academy – training the next generation of apprentices.

“We are proud to have trained over 100 apprentices, many of whom are now passionate stylists, award winners and successful salon owners in their own right.”

The apprentice awards categories are for intermediate, advanced and higher apprentices along with a City & Guilds apprentice champion prize.

Employer categories are, small, medium and large and macro employer, along with SME newcomer and larger employer prizes.

Entries close on March 28. Details are on the National Apprenticeship Service website.

Bradford Apprenticeship Hub is running a campaign to encourage city employers to create 150 new apprenticeships in just 100 days. It is holding an event at the Midland Hotel on March 12 to provide an insight into Bradford’s commitment to apprenticeships.