Registration for the 2009 Challenge closed on 20 November 2009

Scottish Modern Apprenticeships demonstrate the high standards now being reached by the many employers, centres and apprentices.  This challenge recognises the skills and creativity of Modern Apprentices and allows them to showcase their contribution to the Community.  The main objectives of the challenge are:

• To demonstrate the quality of apprentices/trainees employed in Ayrshire.
• To demonstrate the high level of training offered by Ayrshire companies/organisations.
• To forge links between local companies and local communities.
• To raise the profile of local companies taking part.
• To highlight the Modern Apprentice movement in Ayrshire.
• To encourage more young people to consider a Modern Apprenticeship.
• To encourage more local companies to consider offering Modern Apprenticeships.

All teams will be invited to a Presentation Ceremony where they will all receive a certificate to acknowledge their achievement.  This year there are 2 categories – Overall Winner and an award for Innovation within a project.  Teams will receive local press coverage for their project and their employer. 

The awards are open to companies with staff currently following a Modern Apprenticeship.  The company/apprentice(s) should identify a project which benefits the local community.  If you need some help in finding a project we can provide some assistance.  The awards are open to individual apprentices or teams of apprentices, depending on the project being undertaken.  Entries must demonstrate the following:

• Employer endorsement.
• Utilising skills specific to the Apprenticeship undertaken.
• Project management skills.
  

The challenge is limited to 40hrs/Team Member and this time should be logged in a work-sheet or work-diary and submitted with the portfolio.  Registration must be received by Friday 20th November 2009 (NOW CLOSED) and the challenge should be completed by 20th April 2010.

Your portfolio should include:

• Project objectives
• Budget and source of budget
• Staffing support
• Photographs of project development
• Summary detailing community development
• Contact information for Community project, employer and team
• Work-diary detailing hours utilised   
• Project plan

Portfolios should be submitted either electronically or in hard copy format (3 copies required) to Lesley Craig, Ayrshire Business in the Community, Suite 1006, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2PL (lcraig@ayrshirebic.org)

Judging of entries will be based upon the criteria specified and therefore all entrants should cover all of these points in their submission. A time-sheet to demonstrate the working hours of participants should also be provided as evidence of maximum 40 hours. A clear, honest evaluation of the effectiveness of the project is an essential part of each entry, and without this element an entry cannot be considered by the judges.  A shortlist will be made and entrants may receive a visit and interview by one or more of the judges.

Previous projects range from; Up-grading of nursery school play equipment, Information Leaflet promoting a local community, Design and Build of a Sensory Garden, Design and Installation of fixed seating for care home residents, construction of a Commemorative Cairn, Design and Build of a 50s style duke box for care facility, Re-wiring/re-fit of an IT suite for a local community facility.  Your project can be as large or as small as you like but must fit within the criteria outlined above. 

Registration for the 2009 Challenge closed on 20 November 2009