THEY have worked hard to impress.

Now special recognition has been given to five of Hampshire County Council's best apprentices and trainees.

Hampshire County Council held its annual Investors in Young People Awards ceremony which saw young apprentices receive prestigious awards.

The Awards recognise young people employed through the Authority’s Youth Investment Programme, for their drive and commitment to the work of the County Council. They also recognise other employers and the County Council’s teams that have provided good support for trainees and apprentices, across Hampshire.

Among the winners were Ewan McCormick,17, from Southampton who won the Chairman's Award.

Ewan worked in the Adult Services Community Reablement Team, where he helped people become indepedent again after a hospital stay.

Trainee of the Year was Lewis Farr, 17, from Andover who worked in the Adult Services Community Response Team, where he helped people ensure they have the equipment they need to maintain their independence.

Other winners included Alex Cowton, 18, from Waterloville who won the Intermediate Apprentice of the Year 2017. Abbie Long, 20 from Bishopstoke won the Advanced Apprentice of the Year, after impressing in the Community Reablement Team.

Supporting the apprentices was Kerry Haley who won Mentor of the Year.

Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar, said: “Hampshire County Council values its young trainees and apprentices very highly indeed, and we are very proud to see them achieving so much.

“I would encourage other employers to take the opportunity to help shape the future of their organisation by taking on apprentices and trainees; and I offer my best wishes to all the young people who are working hard to learn new skills and familiarise themselves with the working world. I believe they have a bright future ahead of them.”

Other winners on the night were Hampshire Workstyle, who won Apprentice Team of the Year, and the Traineeship Team of the Year went to contractors Balfour Beatty.

The Mary Rose Museum and Formaplex both based in Portsmouth were presented with Hampshire Investor in Young People Awards.

More than 80 new apprentices joined the County Council last year, and that number is expected to rise this year, at the same time there are expected to be around 60 new trainees joining the authority on traineeships.