Brethertons LLP is very honoured to announce it has been named as one of West Midland’s best Apprenticeship Employers in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014.
The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in their eleventh year, celebrate the success of the country’s most exceptional apprentices and Apprenticeship employers.
The highly commended entries and winners were announced at a high profile awards ceremony organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, which was held at Mitchells and Butlers on Tuesday 16th September 2014.
Brethertons fought off tough competition to be shortlisted, and was announced as the winner of the ‘Medium Employer of the Year’ category at the West Midland’s ceremony.
Brethertons LLP was acknowledged for the firm’s commitment in fully integrating apprenticeships within the firm with a clear future development programme. The judges also recognised the firm’s contribution to the programme by showcasing how Apprenticeships have enabled the firm to grow and the success of the scheme, representing outstanding levels of achievement as well as inspirational qualities.
Brethertons’ Apprenticeship programme has been running for 13 years, and to date, has engaged 41 apprentices. The programme has strengthened, grown and enhanced the firm’s Office Services function firm-wide. It has afforded flexibility with resource planning and deployment by means of training apprentices from “grass roots” to higher levels, enabling them to cover maternity and annual leave. Such cross-working experience not only empowers apprentices, but also reinforces administrative capabilities in order to meet in-house and external client demand.
Deborah Atkins, Partner and Head of Human Resources, said: “Our apprenticeship programme serves to nurture and give real opportunities aligned to our firm’s ethos, culture and strategies – in Management, Business Administration & Law – to “learn as they work” and embark upon a progressive and rewarding career track. Winning this award is a testament to the hard-work Elaine Hamblett, Associate Human Resources has personally put into the programme for the last six years and the support we receive from our training providers Heart of England and CILEX”.
Jack Seager, a former apprentice and now Office Services Team Leader at Brethertons, said: “I started my apprenticeship at Brethertons because I could learn on the job. It is good to be part of a team working on a variety of interesting projects and working with different people who can help me to build up my knowledge. It's the ideal next step in my career and the best decision I ever made. It has opened so many doors and I now work in a permanent position at Brethertons where I can continue to learn and develop.”
Karen Riley, Deputy Director Employer & Delivery Services Central. said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards are an excellent platform to recognise and celebrate the dedication shown by all our excellent Apprenticeship employers and apprentices. The quality of entries we have had for the East Midlands awards this year has been exceptional. Those who have won should celebrate their success. But every apprentice and employer who entered can be proud of what they have achieved."
“We want it to become the norm for young people to choose between an Apprenticeship or university as equally prestigious routes to a great career and a secure financial future. Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government’s drive to equip people with the skills employers need to grow and compete. A campaign is calling on young people to “Get In, Go Far” by choosing an Apprenticeship and with the huge range available across England, there has never been a better time to become an apprentice. They enable people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, in some cases up to degree level, while working and earning.
“Apprenticeships continue to grow in popularity, and events like the National Apprenticeship Awards showcase just how beneficial they are for both employers and individuals. I hope everyone who received an award on the night is proud of their achievements, and continues to fly the flag for Apprenticeships throughout their career.”
All the East Midland’s winners will now proceed through to a final national judging stage, and will have the opportunity to be crowned as the national winner in their category.
The Apprenticeship employer entries that were judged to be the very best of the best will have the additional honour of featuring in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which will be produced by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds.
The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and the all national award winners will be revealed during the national ceremony on the 13th November at the LG Arena in Birmingham.
Comments