Nominations open for the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards 2024

Nominations have opened for the 2024 East Kent Apprenticeship Awards. Now in its sixth year, this prestigious annual event will once again champion the achievements of those completing apprenticeships across the area as well as the public and private sector employers who support them.

Organised by leading Kent marketing agency, Pillory Barn, the Awards are open to all apprentices, businesses and public sector organisations throughout East Kent.

Visit www.eka-awards.co.uk to nominate for categories including Apprenticeship of the Year awards in Business Management & Administration, Construction, Hospitality & Retail, Health and Social Care, Engineering, Education & Early Years, Creative & Digital, and Hair & Beauty.

There are also awards for Private Sector Business or Organisation of the Year, Public Sector Organisation of the Year and an overall East Kent Apprenticeship Award Champion in recognition of the person who has done the most for apprenticeships over the previous 12 months.

Judging for EKAA 2024 will take place in early Summer with finalists invited to The Yarrow in Broadstairs for a gala dinner and awards presentation evening that will champion the difference vocational based training can make.

The Awards depends on the generosity of sponsors, which currently includes Pillory Barn, Morgan Sindall Group and East Kent Colleges Group with more to be added over the coming weeks. Businesses interested in being part of the awards should contact: hello@pillorybarn.co.uk in the first instance.

Lisa Harris, director for Pillory Barn said: “For the past six years the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards have showcased the difference apprenticeships can make, providing the inspiration for others to follow, and the confidence to achieve anything.

“More and more young people both here in East Kent and across the region are benefitting from the invaluable job experience and life skills that apprenticeships bring with the continued support of both businesses and organisations in the public sector.

“These awards are a celebration of the amazing work that takes place across East Kent that we hope will inspire more people to consider apprenticeships as the route to their chosen career and showcase the value they bring to the workplace.”

Stephen Paine, Senior Operations Manager from Morgan Sindall said “With the current skills shortage, particularly in the construction industry, the need for early career placement and practical skills is greater than ever. We are delighted to be sponsoring the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards to help celebrate the achievements of young people throughout East Kent who are furthering their skills and future opportunities.

“Having worked with apprentices and T-Level students over recent years we have seen the very real difference these committed individuals and young people can make to the sector. In fact, we have recently offered one of the students the opportunity to work with us on a permanent basis while they continue their career journey. “

For full details on how to enter EKAA 2024 as well as more information on this year’s categories, visit: www.eka-awards.co.uk. Follow @EKAA2024 on X, EastKentApprenticeshipAwards on Instagram or East Kent Apprenticeship Awards on LinkedIn for more updates.