Apprenticeship Week, which is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, will celebrate the talents of apprentices. It will see apprentices, employers, providers and those involved with apprenticeship programmes come together to celebrate the value of apprentices.

National and regional activities will take place and each day of the week will have a different focus. Activities this year will include employer events, job swaps and apprenticeship challenges. Your Chamber has recruited five Apprentices in the last twelve months, all of whom have brought energy and talent to our business. Two are now full-time members of staff and the fresh ideas they contribute never fails to amaze us. To hear more about recruiting an apprentice yourself, call our Employment and Skills team on 0113 247 0000. The search is also on for apprentices and businesses to take part in the National Apprenticeship Awards. The closing date for entries in Friday 26 February 2010. Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk for further information.