A PARALYMPIC gold medal winner has been confirmed as the host for the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards 2019.

Marc Woods is a former British Paralympic swimmer who had his leg amputated as a teenager after developing cancer, but went on to compete at five Paralympic games winning 12 medals, including four golds.

Mr Woods said: “I am delighted to be hosting the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards 2019.

"It is a real privilege to recognise and celebrate the achievements that Worcestershire’s apprentices, employers, training providers, schools and careers leads have made, and I look forward to what I’m sure will be a lively and entertaining evening."

The Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards, now in its sixth year, celebrate the hard work that goes into making apprenticeships a success.

Entries and nominations for this year’s awards are open and can be accessed on the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website until the deadline of Friday 12 July.

The Awards will take place on Thursday 14 November 2019 at West Midland Safari Park.

The 2019 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards will celebrate 12 awards recognising the county’s most successful apprentices, schools, training providers, apprentice employers and a new category for careers leads.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "It is great to have Marc Woods confirmed as host for this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.

"As we get closer to the deadline for nominations and entries I would encourage all interested parties to submit their applications to be in with a chance to win one of these prestigious awards."

Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills at Worcestershire County Council said: "The Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards have gone from strength to strength in recent years as apprenticeships continue to be recognised as a pathway to reach the top of any industry.

"I look forward to Marc Woods hosting the awards and celebrating the successes of local apprentices on the night."

For the full list of award nominees, go to www.worcesternews.co.uk