CUSTOMER service engineer Amy Ramage is hoping her company will be award winners.

Her firm, telecommunications giant BT, is a finalist in this year's Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship Awards.

BT has run a successful apprenticeship programme for more than 50 years and sees apprentices as the 'lifeblood' of its business.

The company's apprentices work on real projects and pick up real skills while they are earning and have a diverse range of career opportunities at the end of their apprenticeships.

Other finalists ­include 21-year-old steel engineering draughtsman Sean McBride, from Renfrew.

He headed the ­apprentice team which produced a plate depicting next year's independence referendum date, which was seen around the world.

And the Majella's ­Coffee Shop in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, could be named Micro Employer of the Year when the awards are held at the Glasgow Science Centre next Wednesday.

Owner Helen Jenkins, who stepped in and re-opened he business and saved five jobs, is a strong believer in modern apprenticeships and completed a level three course.

There are also contenders for the coveted title Apprentice of the Year including plasterer Kenny McAllister from Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. He is now a specialist and works for the family business but hopes to either run his own firm or become a college lecturer.

Arman Hussain, from Inverkip, Inverclyde, is one of the first ever modern apprentices with global finance organisation Morgan Stanley, and the 20-year-old trainee accountant is in the running to win Technical and Professional ­Apprentice of the Year.

Damien Yeates, chief executive of Skills Development Scotland, said: "As always the calibre of our finalists is amazing and shows the commitment and dedication of apprentices and businesses across sectors and throughout Scotland."

The final will be at Glasgow Science Centre on November 13.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk