Norfolk employers are being urged to enter the 2011 National Apprenticeship Awards.

Run by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), businesses who employ apprentices are being advised to enter the awards for a chance to win national recognition.

The awards are open to all organisations that employ apprentices, and to apprentices themselves.

Jon Nay, East of England regional director for the NAS, said: 'I would urge all Norfolk employers and apprentices to enter this year's apprenticeship awards. They recognise and reward employers and apprentices, and provide an opportunity to showcase their achievements on a regional and national basis.

'Every year it's breathtaking to see first-hand how these inspirational apprentices are making such a positive impact on their employers and on the local community.'

For the awards, the NAS, in partnership with City & Guilds, will be listing England's top 100 apprenticeship employers and in addition to the four employer category winners, the 24 best employers in each category will be honoured in the published top 100 list.

Last year, James Williamson, 24, an electro-technical apprentice from King's Lynn was highly commended in the East of England Advanced Apprentice of the Year 2010 category.

On being presented with his award, James said: 'It's been absolutely awesome to be here at the awards. I'm amazed to have made it to the final three and to have been presented with this award. My apprenticeship has been a key factor in my life and has set me on my career path. I'm looking forward to carrying on with my training and getting even better.'

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the NAS, said: 'The apprenticeship awards recognise the achievements of individuals engaged in training and the organisations that invest in them. Apprentices provide a real boost to Britain's economy, helping businesses secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities often not available on the external job market. They bring fresh ideas and innovation to organisations and help to increase staff retention.'

Applications are now open and England's top apprentices and apprentice employers will be heralded at the awards ceremony in London on June 29 this year.

Entries close on 25 March 2011.

The EDP is backing the 'Challenge Norfolk 100 in 100' campaign launched during National Apprenticeship Week, which aims to encourage businesses to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days.

For more information visit on the campaign or the awards visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600.

Categories for 2011 are:

- Young Apprentice of the Year (school year 11 only)

- Apprentice of the Year

- Advanced Apprentice of the Year

- Higher Apprentice of the Year

- Small Employer of the Year (1 - 24 employees)

- Medium Employer of the Year (25 - 249 employees)

- Large Employer of the Year (250 - 4,999 employees)

- Macro Employer of the Year (5,000 + employees)