TWO companies will be representing Warrington after being short-listed for the regional final of the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards 2013.

Britplas, the window specialist, and United Utilities, based in Great Sankey in Warrington, will be competing to win at the regional awards ceremony.

The showcase event is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service and will be held at The Co-operative Group in Manchester on Wednesday, September 11.

• Britplas, based at Woolston Grange, will be competing in the Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Award for Medium Employer of the Year • United Utilities PLC will be in the Macro Employer of the Year Sue Price, divisional area director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the North, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and rewarding career opportunities.

“Hiring apprentices is a proven way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce.

“All of the Warrington award finalists demonstrate these benefits in action.

“The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase excellence and offer a fantastic platform for apprentices and employers in our region to share centre stage and gain the recognition they richly deserve for encouraging ambition and enterprise, creating opportunities and supporting development.”

“We always receive entries of outstanding calibre in our region, and this year has been no exception.

“I would like to congratulate all the employers and apprentices on being short-listed for these prestigious awards, and wish them the very best of luck.”