Everyone a winner at the National Apprenticeship Awards regional finals

McCarrick Construction, Chester-le-Street, County Durham
Matthew McCarrick, Director of the family-owned construction firm, said: "We're delighted to receive this award. No doubt we were up against far larger companies, so this is a real achievement. We've had apprentices with our company since 1953, and career progression opportunities are clear to see - we've got former apprentices who are managers, supervisors and even on the main board of directors.

"We won the same award a few years ago, and it helped us with recruitment as the calibre of apprentices that came through after that was even higher. Also, supporting young people into apprenticeships is of great benefit to our community in North Durham, and our tradition of doing this is one of the reasons we are such a respected employer locally."

Dental 22, Retford, Nottinghamshire
Adam Walker, Principal Dentist, said: "It's lovely to be recognised for the effort that a lot of the staff put into apprenticeships. This year has been particularly challenging because of COVID, especially in the dental sector. Our apprentices massively helped our ability to maintain a good service." 

Blue Engineering, structural engineering firm based in Shoreditch, London
James Nevin, Partner at Blue Engineering, said: "For any SME who doesn't know the process, it's much easier than you think to take on an apprentice from recruitment through to finding a learning provider. It's all accessible, and the government grants make it an attractive financial proposition."

Inspire Children's Services, St Helens
Training Manager Sarah Keogh from Inspire said apprentices are at the heart of their organisation: "If we've got well-trained staff in our sector then that means the children in our care will be well looked after, and that's the most important thing. It's all about staff growth and development." 

Higgins Partnerships in Loughton, Essex, construction and development company
Amy Ross, Head of Social Value at the firm, said: "Apprenticeships have been part of our strategy for many years to support people from diverse backgrounds, and of all ages, into the industry. It's great to be recognised for this."   

Lander Automotive in Birmingham makes assembled products mainly for the automotive sector
Anita Davenport-Brooks for Lander Automotive said: "We have an extensive apprenticeship programme and recruit every eight to nine weeks. The main aim is to give them the basic skills in manufacturing, and then they can go onto other roles such as engineering, HR, purchasing and quality control. It's been a fantastic success, and we are proud to receive this award."  

Combe Pafford School, Torquay, Devon 
The school caters for pupils aged 8-19 who have moderate learning difficulties; some also have physical difficulties or Autistic Spectrum Condition. Caroline Milner, Careers Lead at the school, said: "We are very pleased to win this for the second year in a row. I think the secret of our success is amazing apprentices; they are fabulous and very keen to get involved in all sorts of activities. We're a special school, and our apprentices are such good role models for our students. Some of our apprentices are ex-pupils, so the students can see with these role models that there is something they can aspire to." 

Town Hall Group, Dental Practice, Brighouse, West Yorkshire
Rachel Dilley, Chief Operating Officer, started as an apprentice herself 30 years ago. She said: "It's a privilege to be offered such an award. I know how difficult it is and how much mentoring you need. For me, employing apprentices is a joy. I love to nurture them and see them grow. Most of my team started out as apprentices and were mentored by myself and other team members who have been apprentices. It is always a privilege to be able to give the support they need. I'm continuing to employ apprentices - my newest team member starts next week - it's a gift that you give back."

MCFT from Maidenhead
The firm has fixed fridges and ovens in commercial kitchens since 1992.  Chris Craggs, CEO MCFT, said: "We're delighted to have been given this award. We've trained many young and not so young people over the past fifteen years. "Alongside our core business of servicing and fixing commercial kitchens, we have developed software solutions. We need fresh blood for all of that, and we've found apprentices enjoy being trained by us and earning while they learn. It's been an extremely successful way to work and provide apprentices with the skills they need."