A Sussex hairdresser could be in line for a cash boost as an employer who provides the best practical training for young people.

The Cutting Club, at the David Lloyd club, Broadwater Way, Eastbourne, has entered the Edge Employer Awards.

Practical learning charity Edge has £460,000 in cash prizes to give to employers who can show they have work-related learning opportunities for 14 to 25-year-olds.

There is also a regional prize fund of £20,000 for businesses in the South-East to re-invest in teaching young people at work.

The Cutting Club's owner, Eleni Marina Hawkins, said: "We believe there is no way to succeed in hairdressing without learning by doing.

"Actually doing the work, being part of a team, gaining real experience as well as qualifications is the key to training at The Cutting Club.

"The hairdressing trade is a great place for practical learning and The Cutting Club hopes to be one of many organisations to celebrate the achievements of our young people."

Organisations which want to enter have to demonstrate how they offer learning-by-doing opportunities, such as apprenticeships, work placements and traineeships, and they must be able to explain their ambitions.

The awards will spotlight those organisations which have demonstrated a positive commitment to young people.

There are three categories - one for organisations with less than 50 employees, one for those with 50-250 staff and a third for large organisations employing more than 250 people.

Up to four winning finalists will be chosen from nine regions in England, with prize money of £2,500 for two small organisations, £5,000 for a medium-sized one and £10,000 for a large employer.

They will be shortlisted for the national awards, which will have prizes going in similar groups of £25,000, £50,000 and £200,000.

The deadline for entries is July 1. For more information and to enter visit www.edge awards.co.uk, email info@edgeawards.co.uk or call 0800 980 3343.

May 26, 2005