Serco recognised as best large employer for apprentices in the South West of the UK

Serco has been recognised for excellence in employing apprentices after being 'highly commended' in the UK finals of the National Apprenticeship Service Award which were held earlier this week in Birmingham. The awards saw the top 100 apprenticeship employers honoured at the Skills Show, the UK's largest national skills and careers event.

Earlier this year Serco scooped the South West 'National Apprenticeship Macro Employer of the Year Award' for 'commitment to apprenticeships' in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards and National Training Awards 2012.

Lesley Watson, Apprenticeship Manager, Serco UK and Ambassador Network Chair (southern region) expanded, '"We are delighted to have received the regional award in recognition of Serco's commitment to providing apprenticeships and to have been highly commended for our approach alongside such prestigious company including the winners, Rolls Royce.

"As a large employer, we know that it is vital to ensure that staff have the relevant skills and knowledge to do their jobs effectively. Our apprenticeship programme provides us with a number of key benefits, including support in the development of a well-trained, motivated workforce; increased productivity through better trained staff; improved business area performance through the addition of highly motivated staff and the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to staff development.

We are committed to helping young people develop the skills and capabilities needed to enter work and actively support the government's drive to reduce youth unemployment across the country."

2300 young people are currently employed by Serco as apprentices across the UK, undertaking   30 different types of apprenticeships ranging from sport and fitness to engineering, building maintenance, custodial care and business administration.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, which received in excess of 1,500 entrants this year, celebrate the achievements of the country's most outstanding apprenticeship employers and their apprentices.