The NCWE Awards, which are now in their eighth year, recognise businesses from all sectors and sizes that provide exceptional student internships across nine categories.

More than 200 companies, careers advisors and students entered this year and there were a record number of entries from employers. The best performing regions were London, the South East and, Yorkshire and Humberside.

The winners, as judged by a panel of senior professionals who represent the full internship process, including those from Rolls Royce and Liverpool John Moores University, will be announced on Tuesday 22 March at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London by The Apprentice finalist, Ruth Badger.

Companies up for awards include Cancer Research UK and British Red Cross in the Best Charity category, and Porsche Cars Great Britain and The Co-operative Group in the Best Newcomer category, which recognises schemes that were established within the last two years.

Mike Hill, chief executive of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, which operates the NCWE says: “As interest in internships has grown, we have watched our awards get more popular. Each year we’re delighted to see new companies taking part as well as enthusiasm from those who have entered for several years.”