TWO Worcestershire companies have been listed among the UK's top 100 apprenticeship employers.

Digital marketing agency Blue Moon Creative Ltd of Pershore and the Community Housing Group, based in Kidderminster, were selected by a panel of judges from the employment and skills arena for their exceptional contribution to apprenticeships. Both have made Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds to recognise excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.

It is the second accolade in quick succession for Blue Moon, which recently took the small employer of the year category in the in the National Apprenticeship Awards at Birmingham's LG Arena

The Community Housing Group has more than 5500 homes in Wyre Forest and provides a range of housing, neighbourhood management and care services.

Ian Hancock, managing director for Oakleaf Commercial Services, part of The Community Housing Group, said: "As a business for social purpose a key objective for TCHG is to create employment and apprenticeships to support our local economy. Our apprentice programme enables us to help tackle youth unemployment in our communities, whilst meeting the needs of our business. We are proud of the compassionate learning environment we have been able to create, whilst ensuring the standards required of our workforce to deliver quality services to our customers are achieved and TCHG corporate objectives met.”

The list was announced by deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which took place during The Skills Show in Birmingham. November. The Skills Show has City & Guilds as its lead premier sponsor and is a unique celebration to inspire people with exciting opportunities in further education, skills and apprenticeships.