Ewloe based Redrow retains its place as a top 100 Apprenticeship Employer

Ewloe-based housebuilder Redrow has been recognised in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list for the third consecutive year.

Sponsored by City & Guilds, the list is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.

The top 100 companies were announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which took place on January 26 at Grosvenor House, London.

One of the UK’s largest housebuilders, Redrow boosted its apprentice numbers for 2015, taking on 80 trade apprentices – a 60% increase on the previous year – in a bid to reduce the skills gap. It now employs more than 150 apprentices.

Karen Jones, HR director for Redrow, said:

“Around 15% of our employees are trainees and we are delighted to have been named in the top 100 apprentice employers in England for the third year running.

“We believe apprenticeships are the key to ensuring a skilled workforce for the future and we are continuing to develop and expand our training opportunities for young people. We now have trade apprentices learning carpentry, plumbing and bricklaying, as well as office-based apprentices in a variety of administration, technical and commercial roles.”

A number of former apprentices have progressed through the ranks to managerial roles and the company also nurtures young talent through under-graduate work placements, post-graduate programmes and other vocational training.

Skills Minister, Nick Boles said:

“This year’s Top 100 was hugely competitive with even more leading employers developing world class apprenticeship programmes that deliver the skills Britain needs.

“All of the Top 100 employers know that apprenticeships and traineeships don’t only provide life changing opportunities and routes into work for young people, but they also deliver real results for business. This is why we are committed to 3 million apprenticeships by 2020

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service commented on

Redrow’s achievement: “The Top 100 apprenticeship employers have made a difference to the lives of young people by investing in their future whilst apprentices themselves help employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce that builds a stronger economy. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, in some cases up to degree level, while working and earning.”

Chris Jones, chief executive of the City & Guilds Group, said:

“High quality apprenticeship programmes can help individuals gain the skills they need to progress. And for employers, apprenticeships play a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce. These Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers have experienced these benefits first-hand; I hope other employers are motivated to follow in their footsteps.”

To view the full Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer List, visit www.gov.uk

For more information on the career opportunities open to apprentices at Redrow see www.redrowcareers.co.uk/apprentices.