Council commitment to apprenticeships is highly commended

Warwickshire County Council has been highly commended at the Midlands National Apprenticeship Awards 2016.

The county council was runner-up in the region for the Macro Employer of the Year category of the awards which recognise excellence in businesses which grow their own talent through apprenticeship schemes.

The awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service and now in their thirteenth year, are a highly-respected barometer of quality in the field.

Warwickshire County Council was highly commended in recognition of its contribution as an employer, with apprenticeships at the council having reached a record level.

Over the past three years more than 130 young people have benefited from taking up an apprenticeship at the council. Of those, over 80% went on to secure longer-term roles while others took up employment opportunities elsewhere or went on to further education.

Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Customers, Cllr Kam Kaur, warmly welcomed the commendation which again underlined the council's commitment to giving young people the best possible career prospects.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition of our work to create over a hundred apprenticeship opportunities at the county council," said Cllr Kaur. "Apprenticeships not only equip young people with the skills that they need to prosper in their lives but also deliver real benefits to the council and the wider economy.”

Cllr Philip Johnson, chair of the county council’s Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “We are so pleased our commitment to offering apprenticeships has been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service. Apprenticeships offer an excellent route into employment and offer young people a great opportunity to earn while they learn in a real job, providing a real future.”

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, paid tribute to the county council for playing its full part in ensuring that apprenticeships remain a popular and productive means of channelling young people into the right careers.

“The National Apprenticeship Awards enable exceptional apprentices and dedicated employers to receive the recognition they richly deserve," said Ms Husband. "Apprenticeships enable people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed – in some cases up to degree level; and for businesses to grow the talent they need.

“I would like to congratulate Warwickshire County Council on their achievement of being highly commended, which is greatly deserved. There has never been a better time to become an apprentice or employ one.”

To find out more about the National Apprenticeship Awards, please visithttps://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/national-apprenticeship-awards