Helen Grant congratulates employers at National Apprenticeship Awards

Maidstone and the Weald MP - Helen Grant, has honoured employers for their commitment to outstanding apprenticeships at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Helen announced the list of the UK’s top 100 apprentice employers. The list, compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service, recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices. It includes household names such as the BBC, GlaxoSmithKline, Nestle and our Armed Forces.

Helen, who was acting in her role as the Chair of the Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network also announced that at next year’s awards there will be a category dedicated to diversity.

Speaking at the event Helen said, ‘This was a wonderful celebration of all things apprenticeships and it was so apt that the show was stolen by some inspiring young apprentices from a range of industries.

I would like to congratulate all of the employers who have made this prestigious list. I know they do wonderful work to grow and develop new apprentices, including here in Maidstone and the Weald. The organisations all believe in the ability of apprenticeships to transform businesses; engendering loyalty and allowing the creation of the required bespoke skills.

I am looking forward to welcoming some of them to Maidstone in February for the Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair which I am hosting with my colleague and neighbour Tracey Crouch MP. This will be an opportunity for students from across our town to learn about the life changing apprenticeship opportunities which are available to them.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list 2017 demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have on an organisation. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, up to degree level, while working and earning.

“I hope the success of these Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers will mean more businesses across England aspire to follow their example and to find out for themselves how apprenticeships help to grow a skilled and highly qualified workforce.”

The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in their fourteenth year, showcase the diverse range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships and celebrate outstanding apprentices and brilliant employers.

Helen Grant and Tracey Crouch will be hosting an Apprenticeship Fair at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Friday 23rd February. The event will bring together local school children and apprenticeship employers.

The full list of the top 100 apprenticeship employers 2017 is available here: http://bit.ly/2GauObs.