WEYMOUTH College has been announced as the sponsor of the Best Apprenticeship Employer category for this year’s Industry Awards.

Julia Cohen, Head of External Partnerships at Weymouth College said: “This year, we are honoured to be the sponsor of the Best Apprenticeship Employer Award.

“Weymouth College feel that it is essential for all training providers to work closely with employers to ensure that the necessary skills are developed within the Dorset workforce. Weymouth College’s apprenticeship provision is part of our ongoing strategy to support economic growth across Dorset, which in turn will generate quality employment opportunities for our students.”

Are you an apprentice that has been blown away by your training and would like to give something back, then why not nominate your employer?

Or perhaps your business has taken on a number of apprentices, who are developing really well, there's still time to get involved.

The Dorset Echo Industry Awards aim to celebrate the superb section of industry in our area and to highlight the many companies, across myriad sectors, which make such a huge contribution to our economy.

As well as this, the awards brings together the best of businesses in the DT postcode sector, recognising and showcasing their achievements.

Businesses are welcome to nominate themselves for an award. Or, anyone outside a business interested in its impact on the wider community and local economy can enter a nomination in any of the categories.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Dorset Echo or on dorsetecho.co.uk and will also be featured in the category winners’ coverage in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetecho.co.uk

There is still time to apply to be in with a chance of winning an award. Here are the categories:

n Best overall retailer

n Best customer service provider (Sponsored by the Dorset Echo)

n Best social media marketing (Sponsored by Sherrens)

n Best business development or innovative idea

n Best new business (opened in the last two years) (Sponsored by Dream Doors)

n Best contribution to local tourism

n Best product or service

n Best community engagement business

n Best apprenticeship employer (sponsored by Weymouth College)

n Best dining provider (sponsored by Dorset Training Academy)

n Best woman in business (Sponsored by Successful Women In Business)

n Best long-standing business (sponsored by WPCC)

How to enter

Online - Enter online at dorsetecho.co.uk/

Closing date for nominations is May 9, 2018.

Usual Newsquest competition terms and conditions will apply.

please visit dorsetecho.co.uk/competitionterms for full details