CUMNOCK and Doon Valley residents could benefit when an Irvine-based awards scheme, which recognises and rewards outstanding apprentices, is extended to the whole of Ayrshire later this year.

The long-established competition, promoted annually by Irvine Incorporated Trades, also seeks to highlight companies which operate effective apprenticeship programmes.

The top apprentice in 2017 will receive £1,000 and his or her employer will be presented with an impressive trophy at a champagne dinner in September.

The Trades are being supported in the expanded awards scheme by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and have invited the three Ayrshire councils to join them.

All four bodies have been active in encouraging local employers to recruit young people since the revival of apprenticeships in the last decade.

The Irvine Trades organisation, as the only one of its kind in Ayrshire, decided to widen the catchment area in order to give the awards scheme greater impetus among the business sector.

Behind the idea is former Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe who is Deacon of the Weavers trade in Irvine.

Brian took on the role after losing his seat in the 2015 General Election.

Brian said: “I spent 23 years at Westminister and, although I was marginally involved in charity work at home, I was never up here long enough to commit to it.

“This has given me the chance to get involved in the community and put something back in.

“I liked the aims of this awards scheme, having been an apprentice myself at Ailsa Shipbuilding in Troon from 1965 to 1970.

“An organised training programme with industry recognised qualifications at the end sets young people up for life. It is the most assured way of getting to the top in any career.”

Brian has been working with North Ayrshire Council to coordinate a high-profile dinner and presentation night at the new Portal leisure centre in Irvine.

The award scheme is open to any apprentice who lives or works in Ayrshire.

A panel of judges will consider all entries before choosing a winning candidate and company ahead of the dinner on Friday, September 22.

Brian added: “I have trawled my contacts to make sure we have quality speakers and personalities to provide the entertainment. It will be a great opportunity to honour our apprentices while showcasing Ayrshire’s new events centre to the wider business community.”

Companies wishing to take tables should contact Brian on donohoebrianh@gmail. com or on 07774646600 Last year’s apprentice of the year was 21-year-old Ardagh Glass employee Mark McColl of Irvine.