Top apprentices and leading employers from around the country gathered at the London’s Grosvenor House this week (26th January) to celebrate their achievements. The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, sponsored by City & Guilds, is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
Haymarket has been recognised for the launch of the Skills Academy programme, which emcompasses all of Haymarket’s apprenticeships and work experience placements. The Skills Academy demonstrates the company’s commitment to boosting young people’s skills and helping them build strong careers, and has seen eighteen apprentices welcomed to the business since launch, says Haymarket. Other employers named in the Top 100 include Jaguar Land Rover, Lloyds Banking Group, Microsoft UK, Virgin Media and IBM.
Danielle Tracey, Skills Academy Business Partner, said: “It is a real honour, and testament to the success of our Skills Academy, that we have been named as a Top 100 employer for apprenticeships.
“The eighteen apprentices we have recruited since the launch of the Skills Academy have surpassed our expectations, demonstrated a real willingness to learn, and have shown real tangible value to the business. We are confident that the scheme will continue to grow and develop.”
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, commented: “The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list 2015 demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have on an organisation.
“These Top 100 apprenticeship employers have made a difference to the lives of young people by investing in their future whilst apprentices themselves help employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce that builds a stronger economy. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, in some cases up to degree level, while working and earning.
“I hope that the success of these Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers will encourage more businesses across England to follow their example and find out how apprenticeships can help grow a skilled and highly qualified workforce.”
Employment Minister, Priti Patel, said: “Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way for many young people of all backgrounds to earn as they learn while providing employers with the transferable skills needed to take their business from strength to strength. We currently have record-breaking levels of employment – and this is boosted by prospects like apprenticeships. I want to see this continue.”
The Top 100, representing a range of sectors and regions, fought off competition from more than 1200 entrants to receive the accolade and were congratulated by Nadhim Zahawi MP, the Prime Minister’s Apprenticeship Adviser at the ceremony this week.
