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19 October 2012 10:16
Lord Lloyd-Webber has called for an Oscars-style awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of young people in industry.
The Tory peer and composer said it would help recognise trades "vital to this country but which do not get shouted about".
He offered to host the awards in a prestigious West End theatre to encourage more young people to pursue careers "in the vital areas of industry that this country needs if we are to prosper".
In a debate on education, Lord Lloyd-Webber told peers his idea sprang from the Architectural Angel Awards which recognised "unsung people" who helped save or restore historic buildings.
"Why does the Government not support an awards ceremony that recognises exceptional achievement by young people in industry in its widest sense, whether it be craftsmen, plumbers, technicians ... you name it," he said.
"My idea would be that the awards should be presented in a major West End theatre in exactly the same way as the Oscars or the Olivier awards are, with categories to be decided and nominees in each category."
