The search is on for the country’s top apprentice employer as the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) launches its fifth annual Apprenticeship Awards 2008. Employers of all sizes are encouraged to enter the prestigious Awards, and the veterinary profession in particular is being called upon to repeat last year's success when Farthings Veterinary Group won Small Employer Of The Year.

The Apprenticeship Awards are held annually to celebrate the success of apprentices who have made a real difference to their future and to the organisation they work for. They also recognise the work of employers who are successfully tackling skills shortages to build their future workforce through Apprenticeships.

Chris Banks, Chair of the Learning and Skills Council added: “Apprenticeships are a more attractive option than ever before for those employers wanting to take control of the future of their business by investing in skills. Today, more than 130,000 employers across the country are using Apprenticeships to improve their business performance, whilst giving talented individuals the opportunity to achieve their goals.

“Entries to the Awards have increased year on year and we have received around 4,000 since the first Apprenticeship Awards in 2004. We are now calling on all apprentice employers across the country to enter our fifth national Awards.”

To enter the Awards, or for more information, visit apprenticeships.org.uk/awards or call 0800 954 8896. Deadline for entries is 29 February 2008. The Apprenticeship Awards will be held on 10 July 2008 at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London.