THE breakdown and emergency assistance firm, River Canal Rescue (RCR), has been named Medium Employer of the Year at the 2016 North West National Apprenticeship Awards.
This means that RCR beat off stiff competition from hundreds of North West businesses at the 12th October regional awards ceremony held at St Helens RFC, and is now through to the national final that will be held in London on 20th January 2017 and in the running for a place on the 2016 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.
The awards
The Awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service, recognise excellence in two areas; businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.
RCR Managing Director, Stephanie Horton, comments:
"We are thrilled our support for apprentices has been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service—it is the backbone of our organisation. Nearly 60% of our 31 employees are or were apprentices and many have moved into senior management positions.
"Apprenticeships give staff a depth of business understanding that's impossible to ‘buy in' and as a result they enable us to grow our business, expand the propositions we offer and serve our ever-increasing client base.
"Our three years apprenticeship programme includes mentoring, education funding (up to degree level) and investment in specialist training and well-being. In return we receive a level of commitment and reliability other firms can only aspire to; we enjoy 90%+ staff retention levels and unrivalled customer satisfaction ratings. Apprentices have and will continue to be at the heart of River Canal Rescue's success."
Gain skills and knowledge
Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, agrees:
"The National Apprenticeship Awards enable exceptional apprentices and dedicated employers to receive the recognition they richly deserve. Apprenticeships enable people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed - in some cases up to degree level; and for businesses to grow the talent they need.
"I would like to congratulate River Canal Rescue on their achievement. Winning this Award is greatly deserved. There has never been a better time to become an apprentice or employ one."