GM skills awards deadline approaches

The closing date for entries is fast approaching for the inaugural Skills for Business Awards that will celebrate the direct impact learning has on industries, including construction, retail and professional services, in Greater Manchester.

With a deadline of Friday 4 April, there is only a week to go submit an entry. The awards will recognise learning excellence in Greater Manchester in a range of sectors.

Entry is free for any of the 20 categories that also cover a range of other sectors including public sector, financial and professional services, health and social care, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and tourism. Recognition will also be given to the best small, medium and large business, as well as trophies for social enterprise, school, learning provider and apprentice of the year. The finale will include a special Rising Star award for an exceptional leaner.

The awards were created through collaboration between the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and New Economy.

Louise Timperley, head of skills and employment at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are very much looking forward to seeing the entries and it's fantastic to have such a prestigious Jury to help us select the winners. With 20 awards categories, we cover almost every sector, so there really is an award for everyone. We know that many organisations in Greater Manchester do a tremendous job promoting learning in the workplace, and this is their opportunity to shine."

The ceremony will be held on 3 July at The Hilton Hotel Manchester Deansgate and the lead sponsor is Pearson Work Based Learning. Irish comedian and presenter of TV's The Apprentice, You're Fired!, Dara O Briain will be compère, promising an entertaining evening.

The shortlist will be announced in May.

The categories are:

1. Financial and Professional Services Skills for Business Award

2. Health and Social Care Skills for Business Award

3. Advanced Manufacturing Skills for Business Award

4. Creative and Digital Skills for Business Award

5. Construction Skills for Business Award

6. Logistics Skills for Business Award

7. Retail Skills for Business Award

8. Hospitality and Tourism Skills for Business Award

9. Social Enterprise Skills for Business Award

10. Public Sector Skills for Business Award

11. Sector Collaboration Skills for Business Award

12. Small Business of the Year Skills for Business Award (0-49 employees)

13. Medium Business of the Year Skills for Business Award (50-249 employees)

14. Large Business of the Year Skills for Business Award (over 250 employees)

15. Learning and Skills Champion Skills for Business Award

16. School of the Year Skills for Business Award

17. Learning Provider of the Year Skills for Business Award

18. Apprentice of the Year Skills for Business Award

19. Higher Apprentice of the Year Skills for Business Award (Level 4 and above)

20. Rising Star Skills for Business Award