AN awards evening acknowledging local efforts to bridge employability skills was held at the Civic Offices on Tuesday evening.

The Skillstree Awards were hosted by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Roger Gardiner, to celebrate the time and commitment businesses, schools, colleges and other partners invest in projects that support young people’s preparation for adult life and work.

Launched in 2012, the Skillstree Awards is organised by education charity Basingstoke Consortium, to thank the businesses and individuals who support its programmes.

The evening was compered by BBC South Today presenter David Allard, who was joined by Skillstree sponsors to present the awards.

There were seven awards, with Adam Cox, from Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School, winning Student of the Year.

Phelim O’Hagan, who is the manager of The Community Furniture Project, in Houndmills, received the Basingstoke Consortium Chairman’s Award.

As well as the awards presentation, the evening marked the third year of the Skillstree initiative, which aims to work with businesses to increase the employability skills, aspirations and confidence of young people in the borough. Since its launch, the programme has supported over 3,000 local young people.

Cllr Gardiner, said: "This is an increasingly competitive world and it is so important that young people gain access to the world of work and to positive role models as early as possible.

“Skillstree is an excellent example of a Basingstoke project that does just that and I am pleased to have supported the Skillstree Awards.”

Basingstoke Consortium chief executive officer Sue Riley said: “The awards were created to showcase the incredible talent of the hundreds of individuals who volunteer or work with us every year, to help young people learn more about the world of work.

“They also recognise some of the many inspiring young people who are involved in our projects. Our celebratory evening was a wonderful way to mark our achievements this year.”

Among the businesses that have sponsored and supported Skillstree are Visa Europe, AXA Wealth, AWE, Lilly, Shire, University of Winchester, Laleham Health & Beauty, Vitacress Salads and Basingstoke ITEC.

Associate members include LG Motion, MiniTec, Sun Life Financial of Canada, De La Rue, Newbury Building Society, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Wote Street Employment Bureau.

Peter Davison, executive director of payment processing operations, at Visa Europe said: “Visa Europe is pleased to support the Skillstree initiative as it combines three elements which are central to our business – technology leadership, opportunities for young people and community engagement.

“The initiative has helped us create links with local schools and colleges, and we are proud to extend those links in order to support the community.

“Through our partnership with the Basingstoke Consortium we hope to play our part in developing tomorrow’s workforce.”

Skillstree is now open for sponsors for 2015.

To find out more contact Sue Riley at Basingstoke Consortium on 01256 840710 or email sue.riley@bas-consort.org.uk

The award categories and winners were:

Student of the Year - Adam Cox, Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School

Business Ambassador Award - Matt Case, from Costa

Teacher’s Award - Liz Merrin, from The Costello School

School’s Award - Dove House School Academy

Business Involved in Work Experience - Capricorn Automotive

Business Supporting Education - Fujitsu

Basingstoke Consortium Chairman’s Award - Phelim O’Hagan, from The Community Furniture Project