The Ashdown Park Hotel at Wych Cross, near Forest Row, has been nominated for an award for its commitment to modern apprenticeships.

It is vying for the title of apprenticeship of the year, awarded by National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). Head waiter Carl Vasser has also been nominated for an individual award for his NVQ success.

Ashdown Park encourages staff to train for NVQ qualifications, which are run at work and represent national standards recognised by employers throughout the country.

Each year staff enrol for stages 1, 2 or 3 of the scheme. There are currently 13 employees taking part at the hotel.

The scheme is run by Brighton-based training organisation VT Plus. Conference and banqueting manager Michelle Newby said: 'Carl has worked at the hotel for four years and has done really well studying for his NVQ."

3 May, 2005