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Local businesses named as top apprentice employers

The achievements of eleven companies in the region have been recognised after they were listed as some of the best apprenticeship employers in the country.

At an awards ceremony organised by the National Apprenticeship Service and City & Guilds, the businesses were celebrated for their promotion of the benefits of apprenticeship schemes for learners and employers alike.

This comes as good news for the local economy, especially after the Government’s recent announcement that they intend to increase funding for Apprenticeship programmes.

John Wayman, Regional Director of the National Apprenticeship Service said: “I am delighted to be celebrating the success of the first Top 100 Apprenticeship employers; they represent the very best Apprenticeship programmes across the country.”

“The list includes organisations from our region of all sizes and industry sectors and highlights the benefits that Apprenticeships bring to all types of employers ranging from increased productivity to improved staff retention.”

Businesses honoured included D W Bathrooms, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and South Tyneside Homes.

Derwentside Homes, who were also named on the list, is celebrating a double triumph, after they were selected as runner up in the North East Medium Employer of the Year award at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2011.

Since the company formed in 2006, it has taken on 23 apprentices, all of whom received training in different areas of the organisation ranging from bricklaying to clerical duties.

Geraldine Wilcox, Chef Executive of Derwentside Homes, said: “ We are committed to supporting and investing in the communities we serve to ensure they remain places where people want to work, live and invest.“

“One of out main aims is to make a positive difference to people’s lives and apprenticeships achieve this by offering meaningful employment in a structured way.”

City & Guilds launched their ‘Million Extra’ scheme in February in an attempt to ensure that one million people start apprenticeship schemes by summer 2013.

CEO and Director General of City & Guilds Chris Jones said: “City & Guilds is committed to creating a more proficient and sustainable economy through vocational education whist encouraging learners to discover their talent and unlock their potential.

“Apprenticeships will be integral to this, providing the workforce of tomorrow with the skills they need to succeed.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .