A CROSS HANDS business has made it to the finals of a prestigious award ceremony.

Celtica, Cross Hands, have been named as a finalist at this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru in the Medium Employer of the Year category.

They will be up against Inspiration Lifestyle Services, in Carmarthen, who also made the final of the category that rewards employers with between 50 and 249 staff.

Judges had a difficult task selecting the finalists from the many entries in 11 award categories. The winners will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on November 9.

The annual awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors.

The awards are jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).

Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan said: “Apprenticeship Awards Cymru showcase the success of the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeships and Traineeships Programmes and the achievements of our star apprentices, employers, learning providers and trainees.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to gain valuable skills and experience while earning a wage and for employers to ensure their workforce have the skills to future proof a business. Increasing higher level skills and developing skills pathways that benefit the whole of Wales have never been more important.”