Blackpool apprentice up for Learning and Skills Council award

1:17pm Sunday 4th May 2008

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An apprentice from Blackpool is celebrating after being named as finalist in the Lancashire leg of the prestigious Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North West Learner Awards.

Sophia Hilton, 20, is one of three finalists in the category of Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

The winner will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony to be held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel near Blackburn on the 15 May, at which TV presenter John Craven will be guest of honour.

Sophia embarked on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Hairdressing while working at Trilby's salon in Poulton and studying at Blackpool and the Fylde College.

She beat applications from youngsters around the county to get to the final and be given the chance to win a £250 prize.

All finalists will receive a cheque for £100.

The winner in each category could then be named North West Regional Winner in June, competing against winners from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Greater Merseyside.

All entries into the regional awards are automatically entered into the National Apprenticeship Awards, so they could also be in with a chance of being named national winner and receive a prize of up to £1,500.

The awards are held to recognise and reward excellence in learning, skills and achievement in individuals and organisations.

They also develop links between local businesses and learning providers.

The six award categories are Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Personal Achiever of the Year, Employer of the Year, Further Education Vocational Learner of the Year and Further Education Academic Learner of the Year.