Member Article

Troup Bywaters + Anders wins National Apprenticeship Award

Troup Bywaters + Anders was revealed as the British Gas sponsored Medium Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on Friday.

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.

Troup Bywaters + Anders is a building services engineering partnership, established in 1958, employing 210 people across 8 UK offices, 20% of which are apprentices.

The Troup Bywaters + Anders apprenticeship scheme is now in its 5th successful year, with apprentices being an integral part of their culture and fundamental to their strength and succession planning. Sixty per cent of the Troup Bywaters + Anders partners started as young recruits.

On accepting the award, Neil Weller, Partner at Troup Bywaters + Anders, said:

“There is a real buzz and belief around apprenticeships at TB+A. For Partners at the business introducing apprenticeships was just a natural thing to do. They are a more traditional way of implementing engineering training and senior leaders’ believe it is the right way to bring people on and build up their skills, especially as most of us are former apprentices ourselves.

We see apprentices as our future leaders who can go all the way to run and own our business. If we keep them engaged and they identify with our culture then we will continue to secure our long term future!

The whole dynamic of the business is youthful thanks to our apprentices and they invoke enthusiasm across the board as our older engineers enjoy mentoring and passing on their knowledge.“

The ceremony also saw Troup Bywaters + Anders 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 Troup Bywaters + Anders 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.

Craige Heaney, Head of Learning & Development Operations, British Gas said:

“I am delighted that Troup Bywaters + Anders won the British Gas Medium employer of the Year award this year. At British Gas we are committed to identifying potential, providing development and career opportunities, and empowering our people to make a difference in our business. British Gas is fully committed to Apprenticeship programmes and we are excited to be part of this event.“

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 .