ENTRIES are being taken for the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Now in its 14th year the awards recognise the top apprenticeship employers and apprentices.

The categories include employer of the year for small, medium and large businesses, newcomer of the year as well as intermediate, advanced and higher apprentice of the year.

There is also an apprenticeship champion of the year open to individuals who go above and beyond to champion apprenticeships.

The very best employer category entries will feature in the annual Top 100 apprenticeship employers list.

Sue Husband, the service's director, said: “These awards are a top accolade for all the hard work apprentices and employers."