Popular radio presenter Ed James will be the host of the 2024 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.

The Worcestershire Apprenticeships team announced the news about Mr James, who is known for his extensive career in broadcasting with a 22-year stint as a presenter on Heart FM.

Also a founding partner of global performance content marketing agency Lunar Agency, he has a connection with the community, with his charity work raising more than £1 million for regional charities.

The annual awards ceremony will take place on November 28 at West Midland Safari Park.

Mr James, who is also an entrepreneur and author, said: “I am delighted to be hosting the 2024 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards later this year.

"Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to begin, advance, and reshape careers and I eagerly anticipate this year’s awards, where we will celebrate the incredible efforts of everyone who contributes to the success of apprenticeships in Worcestershire.”

It is a special year for the Worcestershire Apprenticeships programme as they celebrate their 10th anniversary, actively promoting apprenticeship pathways since their inception in 2014.

Apprentices, employers, schools, ambassadors, and training providers across Worcestershire have been encouraged to submit entries or nominations for the 10 different categories through an online nomination process before the deadline of July 19.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "I am delighted to have Ed James confirmed as the host for the 2024 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards as we get set for the 10th awards ceremony.

"The awards are open for entries and applications, and I’d strongly encourage any apprentices, employers, training providers and apprenticeship ambassadors to go online and enter."

The event will culminate in two overall awards of ‘Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year’ and ‘Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year’.

Francesca Gibbs, project manager for Worcestershire Apprenticeships, said: "We are thrilled that popular regional broadcaster Ed James will be hosting this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.

"This event is a highlight of the year, celebrating the exceptional contributions of everyone involved in apprenticeships."

Local businesses have also been invited to sponsor various packages at the awards evening.

To find out more about sponsoring the Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards, contact the Worcestershire Growth Hub team by emailing info@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk.