THE winner of last year's Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year is urging county businesses, schools and training providers to apply for this year's awards

Kidderminster-based DRP has gone from strength to strength since winning last year, with 2016 being one of its most prosperous years to date.

This year's categories include school of the year, intermediate level apprentice of the year, advanced level apprentice of the year, higher level apprentice of the year and Worcestershire apprentice of the year.

There are also awards for newcomer apprenticeship employer, small apprenticeship employer of the year, medium apprenticeship employer of the year, large apprenticeship employer of the year, apprentice ambassador of the year, training provider of the year and Worcestershire apprenticeship employer of the year.

Dale Parmenter, chief executive at DRP, said: “I was delighted to receive last year’s apprenticeship employer of the year award, as it recognised the technical skills and hardworking attitude of all of our apprentices. I would strongly encourage other employers to enter their business in the awards.”

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Many employers from have been able to expand as a result of employing apprentices and the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that apprentices have in the workplace.

“The awards are always very popular within the local business community and, with a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available, I would encourage local businesses to consider the awards as a fantastic opportunity to profile themselves.”

Clare Marchant, chief executive of Worcestershire County Council, added: “I always enjoy the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards as a great way of celebrating the successes of our local apprentice-employing businesses. “I would urge all of Worcestershire’s apprenticeship employers to enter the awards and celebrate your business achievements.”

For more information and to enter the awards before the June 30 deadline, visit worcsapprenticeships.org.uk.