A COMPETITION has been launched to find an outstanding young apprentice.

The Modern Apprentice of the Year Award, which is run by the Trades House of Glasgow, is open to people employed in Greater Glasgow who are either working toward a Scottish MA or qualified no earlier than May this year.

Hamish Brodie, deacon convener of the Trades of Glasgow, said: "Today, the Apprentice of the Year Award showcases the commitment and capability of candidates who have chosen the MA route to further their career prospects and we have been greatly encouraged by the high calibre of entries since it was established in 2006.

"It has helped highlight the vocational and personal benefits that apprenticeships provide in training and development.

"We are also delighted BAE Systems is sponsoring our 2014 awards."

Candidates will be assessed against the criteria of capability, contribution, commitment, overcoming difficulties, marketing and transferability, as well as the overall quality of the application.

The deadline for entries is February 14 and the overall winner will be selected from one of six finalists.

The apprenticeship system was set up in the city in medieval times and maintained by the 14 historic craft guilds which came together to form the Trades House of Glasgow in 1605.

It continued to regulate apprenticeships for more than 200 years.