THIS year's National Training Awards are now open for entries.

The Learning & Skills Council, Wiltshire and Swindon, is encouraging companies and individuals to enter before the deadline of April 30.

In 2003 the awards attracted more than 1,000 entries from a range of industries, including schools and colleges, charities and companies - from family businesses to multi-nationals.

They are now recognised as being the number one training award in the UK for organisations and individuals who have achieved lasting excellence and success through training. Any business, organisation or individual can enter.

Laura Fowler, employer development and provider contracting manager, said training was "the key success factor in a competitive market".

"The National Training Awards celebrate those organisations and individuals who have shown excellence in their training and development - their success is the success of UK plc," she said.

"If your training has made a world of difference, than tell the world by entering the National Training Awards."

For more information, go to www.nationaltrainingawards.com.