Sponsored by Bellbridge Ltd

This category kindly supported by Bellbridge Ltd, was established to celebrate and showcase member companies with a strong commitment to employing, nurturing and supporting apprentices. Judges were looking for exemplar employers who showcased not only the measurable benefits that apprentices have provided but the value gained by developing their workforce through apprenticeship schemes, examples of best practice and the support put in place to help the development of apprentices within the workplace.

Winner: Houghton International

Beneficiary School: Benfield School

This year’s Apprenticeship Employer of the Year recruit their apprentices based on values, hiring for attitude and training for skill. Improving the performance of electro mechanical assets around
the world, Newcastle-based Houghton International have put people at the heart of all they do and ensure employees are consistently supported in their progression.

An SME, Houghton International currently have 15 employees embarking on an apprenticeship programme, and this stream of new talent is supported by the addition of 4-8 new apprentices each year, covering electrical and mechanical, along with IT, finance, and administration.

Success is measured through retention and progression. One hundred per cent of the firm’s apprentices have continued in their employment after completing training – and sixteen members of their current senior team started the company as apprentices.

In addition to a robust training programme that supports progression at the highest level, Houghton International have also partnered to deliver an apprentice exchange programme that gives apprentices the opportunity to develop their skills further in new environments.

Houghton International’s training and development programmes having already achieved recognition and we are delighted to further acknowledge the
unwavering commitment of the firm’s senior team and outstanding achievements of their multi-talented apprentices through this award.