The Eden Project went home a big winner after walking away with the best regional initiative award at the Springboard Awards for Excellence.

The apprenticeship programme launched by Eden Project, in partnership with Cornwall College, tackles skills shortages in the local chef and horticulture industry. Through the programme Eden Project have successfully employed 29 apprentices, two of who, were shortlisted for the apprentice of the year award at the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.

“We are just really please, the apprenticeship programme is very meaningful in Cornwall because we have a lot of youth unemployment so it means a lot to win something that’s a national award,” said an Eden Project spokesperson.

With a fantastic performance from Lukas McFarlane, who was crowned 2013 Got to Dance champion, the evening was filled with celebration as the stars of the industry were commemorated for their hard work and achievements.

“What a fantastic night of celebration to reward people, organisations and projects that work to raise the profile of the hospitality sector and to attract and retain talent to this great industry,’’ said Anne Pierce, CEO of Springboard.