A TEAM of apprentices has reached the finals of a national award after a successful project to help Andover Young Carers.

Apprentices from IBM will compete with teams across the country in the national final of the Brathay Apprentice Challenge – a competition between teams from 75 of the country’s leading apprentice employers, training providers and colleges.

The group were the highest scoring group in the South East, due, in part, to their support of Andover Young Carers.

The apprentices organised a community project to build a willow shelter for the charity, which supports young people who care for their relatives.

Over a four-month period, the IBM team also conducted 15 visits to schools and youth groups to talk about the benefits of apprenticeships and hosted three business events to talk to potential employers about offering apprenticeships.

The group were recently declared as finalists by chief executive of Brathay Trust, Godfrey Owen, who made the announcement at the House of Commons.

IMB’s apprentices will now compete with teams from companies such as Severn Trent Water and GlaxoSmithKline for the overall prize.

All finalists will now continue activities until early June, when they will be invited to Brathay Trust’s Windermere headquarters for the Logistical and Teambuilding Finale on Wednesday, June 14, when the apprentice team of the year will be announced.

Charlotte Moore, from IBM, said: “We had a fantastic day at the House of Commons Finalist announcement with all of the other teams.

“I have had so much fun and have learned so much being part of the IBM Brathay team.

“I am so proud of how much awareness-raising we achieved, and the fantastic community project we delivered at Andover Young Carers.

“I am really looking forward to going to the Brathay Apprentice Challenge finale in June.”

For more information on the Brathay Apprentice Challenge and to see a list of all teams entered visit brathay.com/challenge.