THE Oscars of the working world will be presented at the Reebok Stadium later this month.

Bolton Bury TEC is on countdown to the Modern Apprentice of the Year event, which celebrates the success of modern apprentices in the Bolton and Bury areas.

The six finalists have been selected by a panel of judges at Bolton Bury TEC and have already met the judging panel. From the finalists, three winners have been selected and will be announced in true Oscar style on the night of April 30.

The six finalists are:

Adela Walsh, 22, is employed by T&S Stores plc, Bury. She joined the company as a sales assistant but her potential was soon recognised and she was quickly promoted to assistant manager, although she has recently taken on the responsibility of acting store manager to cover maternity leave.

Louise Derbyshire, 21, is employed by Michael Foster Hairstylist, Daubhill.

Louise has achieved NVQ Level III in hairdressing and her employer believes: "Louise will go from strength to strength and has the capability to progress to a management position, which she currently fulfils one day a week in the salon."

Louise Mitchell, 20, is a trainee for Ingersoll Rand European Sales Ltd, Horwich.

She began her apprenticeship in 1996 and has progressed from a junior role to playing an important role in the after sales service department as a service co-ordinator.

Louise has achieved Levels II and III in Business Administration and is seen as a role model for other trainees.

Nicola Gee Clough, 21, is employed by Bolton College training Unit. Nicola is in the first year of her Modern Apprenticeship. From starting as an assistant administrator, she beat off stiff competition and was appointed administrative supervisor for the training unit. Nicola now supervises four administrative staff and provides administrative support to the training development officers.

Simon Magnall, 18, is employed by Watson Steelwork Ltd, Bolton. Simon is part way through his second year of Modern Apprenticeship for fabrication technician and has already received awards for outstanding achievement and commitment from his employers. His enthusiasm and commitment to training has been recognised by the company and they intend to sponsor him on a part-time degree course when his apprenticeship ends.

Yvonne Starkie, 20, works for Bury Health Care NHS Trust at Bury General Hospital. She is training to be a medical technical officer and is already taking responsibility for her involvement in life and death situations. Yvonne's employer said: "Yvonne will make an excellent medical technical officer, capable of leading a section within three years."

The finalists were nominated by their employer and training provider for their outstanding enthusiasm, drive and ambition and their achievement as a modern apprentice.

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