Ladderstore has been recognised in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, sponsored by City & Guilds, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
The list was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which took place on the 26th January at the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel in London.
After a tough selection process, the most exceptional apprenticeship employers from all National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories went forward to feature in the list, which showcases the breadth of employers who now offer apprenticeships.
Developing apprentices has been a key feature of Ladderstore's growth. We have recruited six apprentices over the last couple of years in subjects including Business Administration, IT, Sales and more recently Advanced Apprenticeship in Enterprise. All Apprentices in line with the company ethos go onto further training including Advanced Apprenticeships and Leadership qualifications.
Ladderstore has recently been awarded the Investors in People Gold Standard (joining the top 7% of accredited organisations in the UK) and has successfully renewed their ISO 9001 accreditation.
Commenting on the company's entry in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, Managing Director, Gail Hounslea said:
“The team at Ladderstore are absolutely thrilled to be named as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer it is the icing on the cake of an exceptional year. At Ladderstore we are passionate about developing all our team and making sure that they are the best they can be and all our Apprentices go on to further training and qualifications. The energy in the room at Grosvenor House was fantastic and Apprenticeships are going from strength to strength. Later this year we will be looking for another Apprentice to join our growing team”
Ladderstore was highly commended in recognition of the contribution they have made to apprenticeships. They were nominated for putting Apprenticeships at the heart of the business and developing those Apprentices further after they had completed their Apprenticeship. All Apprentices go on to study further which enables them to build on their career.
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service commented on Ladderstore being named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer:
“The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have on an organisation.
“These Top 100 apprenticeship employers have made a difference to the lives of young people by investing in their future whilst apprentices themselves help employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce that builds a stronger economy. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, in some cases up to degree level, while working and earning.
“I hope that the success of these Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers will encourage more businesses across England to follow their example and find out how apprenticeships can help grow a skilled and highly qualified workforce.”
Chris Jones, Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Group, said:
“High-quality apprenticeship programmes can help individuals gain the skills they need to progress. And for employers, apprenticeships play a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce. These Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers have experienced these benefits firsthand; I hope other employers are motivated to follow in their footsteps.”
Skills Minister, Nick Boles said:
“This year’s Top 100 was hugely competitive with even more leading employers developing world-class apprenticeship programmes that deliver the skills Britain needs.
"All of the Top 100 employers know that apprenticeships and traineeships don’t only provide life-changing opportunities and routes into work for young people, but they also deliver real results for the business. This is why we are committed to 3 million apprenticeships by 2020."
To view the full Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers List visit gov.uk and read more about the awards evening from Nick Boles, Minister of State for the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills.