The very best in Asian apprentices will be celebrated at a gala event in November that will be the first of its kind. Apprentices from all over the country and their employers will get the chance to compete for 22 different awards. There is also an opportunity for businesses and organisations with an interest in training to become partners and a range of sponsorship options are available.
The Government has recognised the vital importance to future economic prospects of apprenticeships that provide people with a chance to earn and learn. But the Asian community is under represented when it comes to taking the apprenticeship route into training and learning. Figures from the Skills Funding Agency show that just 4.1 per cent of apprentices are Asian and the Government has set a target of 20 per cent by 2020. An important objective of the Awards is to raise awareness of apprenticeships in this important part of the Minority Ethnic community.
“Traditionally, Asians going into further education take an academic route through colleges and universities,” said Safaraz Ali, one of the organisers of the event. “As a result people are missing a great opportunity. However, we want to celebrate the very best of young Asian apprentices and those that employ them.” Judges drawn from all over the country will begin the task of assessing the entries by the end of the summer. There are eight sector categories with awards for both apprentice and employer. In addition to this there are six individual awards culminating in the accolade of Asian Apprentice of the Year.
The awards ceremony will be at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Birmingham on Thursday, November 10 with nearly 500 guests.
For more information about the awards including how to enter and opportunities to get involved as a sponsor or partner call Isa Mutlib, telephone 0121 707 0550.