Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of The Apprentice, and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, is to host the first national Local Employment Partnership awards being held in London on 1 July.

Tesco, Nissan Motors and HSBC are among the 20 UK employers which have made it onto the shortlist for the awards. The finalists are in the running to win one of six awards which recognise outstanding contributions made by employers, employees and partners involved in LEPs - the Government’s new partnership approach to help disadvantaged jobseekers back into work.

Campbell, who won The Apprentice in 2005, said: "Being hired by Sir Alan to be his apprentice gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity. I know from experience how important it is to be given a chance and how it can change your life for the better. Local Employment Partnerships are giving thousands of people the opportunity to reach their full potential. The employers and employees shortlisted for LEP awards are great examples of the fantastic results that Local Employment Partnerships are bringing about, and the opportunities they are creating up and down the country."

The winners will be announced at an inaugural Awards presentation ceremony at the Brit Oval in London on 1 July.  The winners will be selected by a judging panel, drawn from the public and private sector and chaired by Stephen Timms, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform. For further information about the awards visit the Local Employment Partnerships Awards page on this website.