Entries are open now for the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards 2022, as the annual event returns.

The event, now in its fourth year, has a host of categories covering varying sectors with organisers now calling on nominations for those apprentices who have gone above and beyond this year.

Organised by marketing agency Pillory Barn alongside college operators the EKC Group, winners will be revealed at a special gala evening next year.

The 2021 in-person event had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions with winners revealed virtually instead.

Miranda Chapman, managing director of Pillory Barn, said: “It has been another challenging year for many businesses as they continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic, and it to their enormous credit that they are continuing to support young people looking to make their mark on the workplace.

“Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for young people, which is why these awards are so important, shining a light on those in East Kent who are making a huge impact on all areas of business, bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives, inspiring colleagues and making a difference.”

Categories to enter include: Health, social care and science; education and early years; hair and beauty; hospitality and retail; business management and administration; construction; engineering; and creative and digital.

In addition, the East Kent Apprenticeship Champion of the Year award celebrates an individual who has acted as East Kent’s best ambassador for apprenticeships, while Apprenticeship Champion of Covid-19 will celebrate those apprentices that have shown adaptability and made a real difference over the past year, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

For further details and to enter, click here.

Entries are welcome from the Ashford, Folkestone & Hythe, Canterbury, Swale, Thanet and Dover districts. Deadline for nominations is December 20.

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