Member Article

Craggs Energy Ltd wins National Apprenticeship Award

North of England based Craggs Energy Ltd was revealed as the Santander sponsored Newcomer SME Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on Friday night.

The Awards, now in their thirteenth year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Craggs Energy Ltd is a fuel distributor, with 54 employees and six apprentices who are all studying NVQ Level 3 Professional Diploma in Sales. The Craggs Sales Academy was launched in August 2015 with the vision to grow their own talent via a holistic, tailor-made apprenticeship programme.

Craggs Energy Ltd investment in apprentices have resulted in highly proficient individuals pioneering online, systematic and strategic initiatives - propelling them into their next phase of growth.

On accepting the award, Becky Neville, Programme Manager at Craggs Energy Ltd, said:

“Apprenticeships are a way for us to give opportunities to young people in our local communities. They enable us to train the next generation of leaders at Craggs Energy in everything that makes us a young, dynamic, energetic company. “Our apprentices are fearless, bringing bags of energy that has ignited the rest of the office. We’ve never looked back since hiring our apprentices; without them, Craggs Energy wouldn’t be the same company it is today.“

The ceremony also saw Craggs Energy Ltd named in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list. The list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service, sponsored by Centrica, recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“Congratulations to Craggs Energy Ltd for your success in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which have showcased so much inspiring talent, dedication and ensures that apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve.

“I am always proud to see how many employers and apprentices get involved in apprenticeships across the country, helping to give a ladder of opportunity to people and deliver quality skills for employers. I hope your involvement encourages others to do the same to ensure social justice for all.“

The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase and recognise the many benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses and inspire others to follow, enabling them to lead successful lives and drive economic growth in England.

Vicky Wallis, HR Director at Santander UK, said:

“At Santander we’re passionate about giving our apprentices the opportunity to realise their future. With the right balance between earning and learning, we’re committed to supporting our colleagues and developing talent. This year, we’re delighted to have been the sponsors of the Newcomer SME Employer of the Year award and to have joined other employers at the National Apprenticeship Awards to celebrate UK apprenticeships.“

Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service was host on the night. She concluded:

“The National Apprenticeship Awards have highlighted once again the magnificent range of apprenticeships on offer - with leading employers in exciting industries - and the skills that apprentices gain when taking on these roles.

“Every year this event gets bigger and better, bringing to the forefront of our minds the importance of apprenticeships to local, regional and national economies. Apprenticeships are for everyone and I personally thank each and every employer and apprentice recognised at Friday’s event for their commitment to apprenticeships.“

To view the full list of award winners and finalists or for more information about apprenticeships, search on GOV.UK

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by National Apprenticeship Service .