The date for the annual celebration of apprentices in Kent and Medway has been confirmed for 2021 - but it will once again be a virtual event due to the pandemic.

Now in its third year, the Kent and Medway Apprenticeships Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, October 8.

It is designed to celebrate the achievements of those completing apprenticeships in a similar way to university graduates

The first event took place at Rochester Cathedral, but the last was staged online.

This October's event will be a bespoke online ceremony accessible to employers, apprentices, their families and supporters. Last year's event was hosted by kmfm's Nicola Everett.

FSB South East policy chair Deborah Turner said: “Apprenticeships are a win-win for everyone.

"Apprentices get the opportunity to learn on the job, gain nationally-recognised qualifications and earn a salary. In turn, small business owners benefit from enthusiastic individuals who become valuable members of the team.

"Despite many small businesses and their staff having had a turbulent time, we’re determined to celebrate the employers and apprentices who have pushed through, carried on and developed important skills.”

Paul Winter, chair of the Kent and Medway Skills Commission and member of the Kent and Medway Apprenticeship Graduation Steering Group, himself a former higher apprentice, added: "It was only after attending my son's university graduation that I realised how much my parents would also have taken pride in attending my own ceremony.

"An additional benefit of this year’s virtual Apprenticeship Graduation is that there is no limit on the number of family, friends and neighbours attending."

Financial sponsors and supporters behind the event include the Federation of Small Businesses, Kent County Council, Kent Association of Training Providers, Medway Council, Careers and Education Company, Wirebelt Ltd, Leigh Academies Trust and Kent Further Education.

To registers you interest in the 2021 event as a sponsor, apprentice or employer, click here.

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