Developing employees and creative ways of identifying and inspiring future talent are being recognised by Cumbria's premier education and learning awards.

Businesses have just two days left to enter the 2017 Golden Apple Awards.

Learning isn't just confined to a classroom, lecture theatre or workshop.

Now, more than ever, harnessing talents and knowledge of existing employees will help to bridge a forecasted skills gap in the county.

Several of the 20 categories in this year's awards have been designed to acknowledge the importance of work-based learning.

They also look to reward the best partnerships being formed between local employers and schools, colleges and universities operating across Cumbria.

There are awards for the best employee development programme, industry engagement scheme, learners, tutors and post-16 providers.

There is also a category for best marketing campaign.


Golden Apple Awards logo. A partnership between Sellafield and Millom School is among the nominees.

The secondary school holds open days for its local primary schools and sets 10-week science-based projects for youngsters.

With a long success in national STEM competition the Big Bang, Millom School expanded on the idea to create its own local "Little Big Bang".

A subsequent chance meeting between a Sellafield worker and staff at the school resulted in 32 STEM ambassadors from the nuclear site getting involved.

They visit primary schools and work with children on challenges.

Local businesses have paid for materials that STEM ambassadors take into primary schools to work with pupils.

Winners of this year's Little Big Bang saw the name of their school emblazoned on the tail fin of the Bloodhound car for its speed run in South Africa earlier this year.

Sellafield workers say it has been valuable to their continued professional development and Millom School say new pupils in year seven have a good understanding of STEM and aspire to continue.

Peter Jewell, from Millom School, said: "This outreach programme has had a massive impact raising the aspirations of young people at primary school.

"Staff from Millom School work closely with Sellafield STEM ambassadors to develop and implement creative and challenging projects to inspire future generations in the world of work. Gaining such transferable skills at an early age has significant impact on future career paths."

The Golden Apple Awards, brought to you by CN Group, are sponsored by Inspira and the University of Cumbria.

Nominations must be submitted by 5pm on Friday.

Judges will consider nominations next month before finalists are announced in September.

Winners will be revealed at a glittering event in Carlisle on October 6.

To enter, go online at www.gaawards.co.uk, email goldenapple@cnmedia.co.uk or call Megan Norwood on 01228 612231.