News Business Excellence Awards 2021: College delighted to show its support for apprentices

That’s the message from the sponsors and organisers of The News’ Business Excellence Awards, which are set to return for their 20th year.

The awards, which are free to enter, celebrate a wide range of business types and sectors – including seeing one person take away the Apprentice of the Year title.

The category has been sponsored by Portsmouth College and vice principal Tom Lloyd said they are proud to once again be part of the awards.

Tom Lloyd, vice principal, said: ‘Portsmouth College are delighted to once again be able to sponsor the 'Apprentice of the Year' category.

‘Apprenticeships continue to play an increasingly pivotal role in Portsmouth's local economy and the 'earn whilst you learn' methodology allows people from all walks of life to enhance their knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst in employment.

‘This also means that local employers are able to use the funding available from the government to grow their own workforce and support their apprentices to apply what they are learning in a professional setting.

‘There is often a misconception that apprenticeships are just for young people starting their careers in entry level positions, this couldn't be further from the truth.

‘Apprenticeships are simply training which has been designed, through a set of flexible standards, to allow people to acquire the new knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to progress within their role, no matter the position they hold.’

He said the college has 250 apprentices at a wide range of employers across the city.

He added: ‘These awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate all apprentices, especially those who have gone above and beyond.’

SEE ALSO: The News Business Excellence Awards 2020 - full list of winners

Pat Smith, from lead sponsor the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘As an early adopter of the degree apprenticeship scheme, we know that apprenticeships offer individuals the opportunity to learn, earn and provide valuable work experience.

‘We enjoy a close partnership with all colleges in the region, so it is good to have Portsmouth College sponsoring this category.’

For more go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk

Awards recognise best businesses in region

NOW in their 20th year, The News is proud to launch the 2021 Business Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise a cross section of businesses and the vital role they play in the success of the region.

The awards ceremony will take place on May 21 at the Portsmouth Guildhall and will be attended by more than 300 guests, as well as being live streamed.

For more information go to portsmouthbusinessexcellence.co.uk or e-mail Richard Thompson, group events director, on [email protected] or call 07385 348816

This year's categories:

Small Business of the Year

Medium Business of the Year

Large Business of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by the University of Portsmouth)

Start up Business of the Year

International Business of the Year

Employer of the Year

Leisure, Retail & Tourism Business of the Year

Training Programme of the Year

Company CSR Initiative of the Year

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Portsmouth College)

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sustainable Business Award (Sponsored by Portsmouth Water)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Verisona Law)