A prestigious industry-backed set of engineering awards is now open for nominations, and the body responsible is encouraging talented individuals and companies to put themselves forward to be in with a chance of winning.

Semta (www.semta.org.uk), the engineering skills body, has been running its annual Semta Skills Awards for five years.

The 2018 awards — being hosted by BBC journalist (and former Young Engineer for Britain) Steph McGovern — will take place on Thursday 1 March at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. The closing date for entries is 30 November.

Semta Group CEO Ann Watson said: “It may be Semta’s name on the programme, but our awards are the engineering sector’s awards — they exist to celebrate the amazing people working to make it a better, happier, more productive and more innovative place.

I never fail to be inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and talent of those who go on to win the awards, or by the overall quality of the entries we receive.”

There are eight award categories, with prizes for individual apprentices, higher and degree apprentices, technicians and skills champions, as well as awards for training partners, skills innovators, and companies that champion diversity.

There is also a special award for SMEs, in recognition of the vital role they play in job creation and skills development.

An overall Best of British Engineering will be selected from the eight individual category winners.

Rita Davey, skills programme manager at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The Semta Skills Awards are fantastic for getting national recognition for people and the work they do; they are particularly useful for smaller businesses that are innovative but don’t get the recognition they deserve.

“That is why we are delighted to once again sponsor the SME award — and why we will be encouraging our suppliers and the other smaller employers we work with to put themselves forward for 2018.”

For more information, contact or call 0845 643 9001.