Nominations are now open for the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which aim to celebrate the continued growth and diversity of apprenticeships while demonstrating the benefits that they bring to employers and the wider economy.

Different award categories recognise the achievements of foundation, modern and graduate apprentices — plus the individuals and organisations that champion apprenticeships.

The winners will be revealed at a national ceremony in November, and one apprentice will be named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year 2019.

Katie Hutton, director of National Training Programmes for Skills Development Scotland (www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk), said: “The Awards showcase the skills of apprentices, the commitment ofemployers and the dedication of training providers around Scotland.

“The standard of nominations has always been extremely high, and I am certain this year’s award entries will be no less impressive.

“The Awards are also a valuable opportunity to showcase diversity, as well as the breadth of opportunity across Scottish apprenticeships.”

North Ayrshire engineering apprentice Fraser Wallace was named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year in 2018.

He started as a Foundation Apprentice while still at Greenwood Academy in Irvine; the 18-year-old is now in the second year of his apprenticeship with the Prestwick aircraft engineering company GE Caledonian.

The deadline for nominations is mid-day on 26 June.