The annual Edge Employer Awards offer over £300,000 in prize money for employers providing quality apprenticeships, excellent work placements and other practical learning opportunities.

Employers offering great practical learning opportunities often go unsung, even though their work is vital. The awards were established in 2005 to change that, to shine a spotlight on good practice and to reward education-minded employers.

The 2006 awards were launched on 19th April 2006 at the House of Commons. For the first time, the awards also went on the road with Networking Breakfasts held in 12 regions of the UK. Awards are there for the taking at regional and national level - from the biggest organisations to small, local companies - we don't want anyone to escape our attention. We're interested in companies of all shapes and sizes, in any industry or sector – all we ask for is real evidence of inspiring opportunities for young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Work-based learners can also come forward: a new category, first showcased in 2006, rewards high-achieving individual learners.

Winning employers must demonstrate how they will invest their award money in training for young people. If you're an employer who believes in practical learning, or you know an employer who does, we want to hear about it.