A COUNTY communications firm was an award winner at the annual Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards.

DRPG, based in Hartlebury, took home Apprentice of the Year recognising the firm's apprentice Thomas Smith.

It was a big night for Thomas having already won the Higher-Level Apprentice of the Year award.

Phosters (FM) Ltd took home Apprenticeship Employer of the Year and 10 other categories were awarded to employers and apprentices of all levels from around the region.

Dale Parmenter, CEO of DRPG, said: “It is fantastic to see local apprentices receiving the recognition they deserve for their hard work.

"We are committed to nurturing talent at DRPG and the apprenticeship schemes are a great way to support young people in our community.

"These award wins are a well-deserved tribute to Tom’s dedication not just to his day to day work at DRPG supporting the IT team, but also his commitment to our company values of passion, understanding and trust, which he embodies wholeheartedly."

READ MORE: Winners revealed in 2019 Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards

James Hurley, head of IT, said: “Tom is a great ambassador for the apprenticeship schemes that we support throughout our business.

"Since joining DRPG, he has become a valued and trusted member of the team and now leading and co-ordinating his own projects across the business he has really taken everything in his stride with his positive attitude.

"Winning Apprentice of the Year is a well-deserved accolade and we are all proud of his achievements.”

November 14 saw the best and brightest apprentices from around Worcestershire celebrated at the annual Worcestershire Apprenticeships Awards, held at the Tree Tops Pavilion, West Midland Safari Park.

The black-tie ceremony, presented by the former British Paralympic swimmer and gold medallist, Marc Woods, recognised outstanding achievement and highlighted the increasing popularity of apprenticeships as preferable career paths among young people.