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The scheme is open to apprentice installers of alarms, CCTV or access control equipment, whose companies are certified by a UKAS accredited body.

Nominations may be submitted by colleges as well as installation companies. The awards are most suitable for third year apprentices, but may also be appropriate for outstanding second year candidates.

The British Security Industry Association is currently inviting nominations – entries must be received by April 25. Chief executive David Dickinson commented: "The requirements placed on installers have never been more complex, with the growing sophistication of technology and regular standards developments. Training plays a pivotal role in helping individuals and their companies to succeed in this challenging commercial environment.

"It is also key to raising the professional status of employees within the sector.

"These awards highlight just what high standards can be achieved when the right potential is combined with effective training."

Jobcentre Plus will sponsor the awards and its Employer Services Director Mark Grimshaw said that opportunities for interesting careers in security were constantly increasing due to the rapid development of new types of products and services.

"It is important we focus on raising awareness of this, to achieve a flow through of the right numbers of high calibre people in the industry. We are very pleased to be associated with an initiative that highlights what can be achieved by young people in the electronic installation sector," Mr Grimshaw said.

This year's winners will each be presented with a certificate and £100 at the BSIA's annual lunch on July 9 at the London Hilton Hotel.

The BSIA advises that "plenty of concrete examples of achievement" should be included in submissions.