Enter your trainees for Apprentice of the Year award, employers urged

Fodder's James Marks (centre) receives his award from host Harry Gration MBE (left) and Harrogate Advertiser series editor Matt Reeder. PHOTO: Gerard Binks.

The awards, which are now in their 15th year, are open to companies based in any of the circulation areas of the Harrogate Advertiser series, which includes the Harrogate Advertiser, Wetherby News, Knaresborough Post, Ripon Gazette and Nidderdale Herald.

Last year, the Apprentice of the Year award was won by James Marks, who gave up a place at university to take up an apprenticeship at Fodder.

Speaking to this newspaper during National Apprenticeship Week (February 3-9), he said: “It was so fantastic to be recognised with the Apprentice of the Year award! It really gave me confidence that I was doing well and on the right track.

“A year later, I have had a promotion and I am now really excited to be the Fodder shop supervisor!”

James was nominated by Heather Parry, managing director of Fodder, who said: “These Awards are wonderful to spotlight talented, rising stars like James. We are so proud of his win (and him!); he has grown and developed as a result of this wonderful confidence boost.”

Businesses may enter as many categories as they like, via the awards website: www.harrogatebusinessawards.co.uk.

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie awards ceremony hosted by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration MBE at Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, April 2.

The deadline for entries is midday on Friday, February 28.