Entries are now open for the 2015 Active Training Awards, with organisers ukactive and CIMSPA placing an added emphasis on technology to reflect the industry shift towards facilitating modern learning methods.

Open to a wide range of providers and employers, the Active IQ-sponsored awards are designed to recognise organisations and individuals leading the way in skills and workforce development.

This year, new categories include ‘Best use of Technology’, designed to recognise e-learning platforms and digital solutions that support learners while enabling flexible and interactive learning. The ‘Employer of the Year’ Category has also been separated into ‘small’ and ‘large’ categories to ensure organisations are competing on a like-for-like basis.

Building on the inaugural Active Training Awards in 2014 and the Active Training Conference in March 2015, the awards focus on driving the workforce development agenda.

“Developing our workforce is a key priority for the physical activity sector. Training providers, be they apprenticeship providers, specialist training companies or employers implementing effective internal solutions, all make a crucial contribution to the physical activity sector,” said ukactive executive director Steven Ward.

“Without them, our sector would not continue to develop and innovate to meet the future demands placed upon it. The Active Training Awards recognise their critical contribution and raise the profile of those doing excellent work in this area.”

All applications are subject to a two or three stage assessment process featuring a written assessment, a review of learner and (or) employer feedback and an expert panel. All applicants will receive a detailed expert feedback report, regardless of how far their application progresses, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of their submission and suggestions for improvement.

Entries are open until Friday 21 August. Entrants should visit the ukactive website to decide which category to enter. Winners will be announced on 26 November at the Active Training Awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Reading.

The Active Training Awards 2015 feature nine categories:

• Apprenticeship Provider of the Year

• Innovative Training Programme of the Year• Best use of Technology

• Large Training Provider of the Year• Small Training Provider of the Year

• Large Employer of the Year• Small Employer of the Year

• Supplier Learning and Development Provider• Special Populations Training Programme of the Year

• Most Inspiring Physical Activity Professional of the Year