TWO Worcestershire companies have been successful in the Midland section of the National Apprentice Awards.

ISO Quality Services of Bromyard Road, Worcester took the small employer of the year category and Community Housing Group, headquartered on Foley Business Park, Kidderminster, won large employer of the year.

The awards, now in their 13th year, showcase the success stories and benefits of apprenticeships and show how employers are growing their own talent with apprenticeships and how apprentices have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

ISO Quality Services Ltd operations director Jennifer Appleton said: "Our apprentice scheme is instrumental in growing our business. As a small company we rely on all of our employees, and our apprentices are a great support. We work hard to develop our apprentices and give them a variety of different challenges and opportunities. Everyone in the company is thrilled to have had our scheme recognised once again at the Midlands Apprenticeship Awards as it is something that the whole team invests their time in. We are also delighted to be able to support young people in our local area, as well as finding enthusiastic and creative individuals who we hope will develop on in the business.”

Marina Banner, executive director of Vestia and corporate services at Community Housing Group added: "This is another fantastic result for the company. Our apprentice scheme is one which we cherish and value. Our apprentices are our employees and managers of the future and it is a great progression route, providing them and our business with the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.”

The Midland finals were held at Sketchley Grange Hotel in Leicestershire and the winners will now go forward to compete on the national stage in January.

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