Member Article

County Durham housing provider in top 100 for Apprenticeships

A County Durham housing provider has been recognised in a national shortlist of firms being praised for their work in Apprenticeship programmes.

Homes and communities business, livin, has been listed in the prestigious Top 100 of Apprenticeship Employers, compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds, and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.

The list was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which took place during recent Skills Show in Birmingham.

After a tough selection process the most exceptional apprenticeship employers from all five National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories went forward to feature in the list, which showcases the breadth of employers who now offer Apprenticeships.

livin was recognised for its livin futures employability programme that offers training and employment opportunities locally, including apprenticeships in partnership with Mears, Bullock and Southdale.

Alan Boddy (above), livin’s executive director for people and communities, said: “Growing our own talent is a deep routed philosophy in our company and we are delighted that our commitment to this has been recognised nationally.

“The award not only recognises our promise to provide apprenticeships locally but it demonstrates the quality of each apprentice we appoint.”

In a letter to livin, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I would like to take this chance to congratulate livin on your success at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards.

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our drive for a stronger economy: equipping people of all ages with the skills employers need to help their businesses prosper and compete in a global market.

“And, as we work to increase the opportunities for hard-working young to people to achieve their ambitions through high-quality apprenticeship training, it is vitally important that we celebrate the achievements of employers like you, who go the extra mile to help their apprentices and succeed.”

City & Guilds CEO and director general Chris Jones added: “Business of all types and across all industries need qualified, well-trained staff to boost productivity and future growth.

“Apprenticeships help employers develop the workforce of tomorrow, as well as giving people the skills they need to succeed in employment.

“To be named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer is a real honour livin should feel incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”

To view the full Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List, please visit apprenticeships.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .