An employee who demonstrated exceptional skill and forward thinking was the perfect contender to scoop the inaugural Apprentice of the Year Award.

Laura Wilson, who works as a communications assistant at Cambridgeshire police, was awarded the accolade at last year’s Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards.

The deserving winner has since moved on to become a fully-fledged member of the team, and still counts her award win as a positive experience. “It was really lovely to win the award. It was quite shocked and surprised but the award was a great end to my apprenticeship,” said Laura.

“To win the award was really motivating for my career and the awards were a really lovely evening.” Laura chose the apprenticeship route rather than university as a fast track debt free way to develop her chosen career.

“The apprenticeship went so quickly and I learnt a lot in such a short space of time and it helped me gain confidence,” Laura added.

The judges highlighted Laura for her innovative ideas, quality of work and her passion to expand her knowledge outside of office hours. For those thinking of entering the Apprentice of the Year award or if you are thinking of entering the apprentices working at your business, the employee’s commitment to the company and their development will be taken into account by the judges.

The judges will also be looking for evidence that includes the majority of the following:

Ways in which he/she demonstrated commitment to their own development and to taking responsibility for their learning in the future.

How has the apprentice shown initiative, exceeded expectations, improves procedures or systems and delivered measurable benefits?

How the apprenticeship impacts on your/their career, personal life, confidence and self esteem? Demonstrate clear examples of achievement, why should he/she win The Hunts Post Apprentice of the Year award? What are his/her future aims and goals?

To be considered for this category the applicants will also need to demonstrate how they have exceeded expectations as well as how the apprenticeship has shaped their career and personal life.

For those businesses who want to be in with a chance of becoming part of the prestigious alumni of winners at the business awards, the deadline for entries is September 8.

All entries need to be received either through the dedicated awards website or via the post.

Judges will shortlist the entries and will visit contenders before finalists are named.

You can find information on how to enter the awards by visiting www.huntsbusinessawards.co.uk.

There are 12 categories and businesses can enter up to three, with a different application for each award entered.

The awards ceremony is held at the Burgess Hall, in St Ives, on November 3.