The biennial Inspire & Achieve Awards celebrate the success of highly-skilled Apprentices who play a vital role in business across the region. Key employers – large and small - are also shortlisted for awards to acknowledge the integral role they play in developing the skills and of Themis Apprentices, the leaders of tomorrow’s workforce.

The finalists have been chosen following a rigorous selection process by a panel of industry experts and business leaders and will be presented with bespoke awards created by Themis apprentices at Hope Technology, Barnoldswick. The event will be staged in a grand marquee and against the backdrop of the state-of-art, industry-led training facilities provided by Themis at Burnley College.

Themis Director Simon Jordan said: “Themis delivers only the very best Apprentices, those who have shown they have what it takes to succeed and are committed to following their chosen career paths.

“The Inspire & Achieve Awards celebrate those Apprentices and their employers who have taken their determination to succeed one step further and reached a new level. Our award winners are leading the way - Apprentices who are enhancing their skills and career prospects even further and employers who have recognised the potential of Apprentices and are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

“Themis at Burnley College congratulates all our award winners on their outstanding success. The calibre of the winners is testament to the determination and vision of Apprentices and employers alike and is a clear indication that our industries are in safe hands going forward.”

Lesley Burrows, managing director of Positive Footprints Network Ltd and the Job Junction Ltd, who was on the judging panel for the Achieve & Inspire Awards, said: “The standard of nominations in the Themis at Burnley College Achieve & Inspire Awards was truly impressive.

“The calibre of Apprentices who are already on the career ladder with local businesses is outstanding: their focus and determination to succeed is an inspiration. There is no doubt that these exemplary Apprentices will be leaders in their field and are a credit to their trainers at Themis and the businesses who have placed so much confidence in them.

“The firms nominated for awards this evening are already reaping the rewards of employing Apprentices – they are nurturing the industry experts and leaders of tomorrow.”

Guest speaker at the awards ceremony will be William Fletcher, Managing Director of Preston-based social business Recycling Lives, who will share the fascinating and inspirational story of his career. MC on the evening is Chris Maguire, editor and co-owner of national business technology magazine BusinessCloud.

The following businesses are finalists for Achieve & Inspire Awards or have Apprentices who have made the final shortlist:

Burnley:  Murano Eyewear – Empire Business Park, Burnley;  Alert Fire & Security – Wiseman St, Burnley;  Speakman Contractors – Billington Rd, Burnley; Paradigm Precision – Bentley Wood Way, Hapton; Giant Leap Childcare – Coal Clough House, Burnley; Parker Plumbing & Heating Services – Burnley Rd, Cliviger; Burnley Leisure – Burnley; Safran Nacelles – Bancroft Rd, Burnley; Calico – Burnley; KAMAN UK – Innovation Drive, Burnley.

Pendle:  Roger Whalley Ltd – Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson; Fitzpatrick’s UK Ltd – Waterford St, Nelson, Pendleside Hospice – Reedley.

Ribble Valley:  Roefield Leisure – Clitheroe; The Home Improvement Studio – Whalley Rd, Read; Fort Vale – Simonstone

Hyndburn: The Senator Group – Altham; William Dyer Electrical UK Ltd – Whinney Hill Rd, Huncoat; Piolax – Altham Business Park, Accrington

Bacup: Orthoplastics – Todmorden Road, Bacup

Darwen: WEC Group – Junction St, Darwen

Themis offers Apprenticeships in more than 50 industry areas. Do you have what it takes to be the very best? Do you want to join these elite apprentices? Visit www.burnley.ac.uk/themis or call 01282 733005 for more information.