COMMUNITY Housing Group has won a major award for its work with apprentices.

The company based on Foley Business Park, Kidderminster won West Midlands large employer of the year at this year’s National Apprenticeship Service Regional Apprenticeship Awards, which were held at Sketchley Grange Hotel in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Run by the National Apprenticeship Service, the awards recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Marina Banner, executive director of Vestia and corporate services at TCHG, said: “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.”

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, added: "The National Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the commitment of employers to apprenticeships. The regional finalists have shown their dedication to improving their own skills or those of their employees by pledging to support apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships have a real impact on the skills of individuals, business performance and on the local and wider economy. Our awards showcase how apprenticeships develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce for employers of all sizes, while improving productivity. Through an apprenticeship people of all ages can ‘get in and go far’ to gain the skills and knowledge they need for a rewarding career."

TCHG will now go forward to the national finals to be held in January 2017.