A FLOURISHING apprenticeship programme developed by Worcestershire accountants Ormerod Rutter has been recognised at a county awards evening.

The fast-growing firm, which has offices in Droitwich and Bromsgrove, was named medium apprenticeship employer of the year at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards. Ormerod Rutter launched its apprenticeship programme in 2012 in response to a skills shortage across the sector and will begin the search for its 2016 intake in January.

Partner Colm McGrory said: “The programme was designed to give apprentices practical experience and customer service skills alongside academic knowledge and training. This means that our apprentices get business experience from day one, which they can actively apply to helping our clients.

“Our apprentice training programme has gone from strength to strength with all successful apprentices being offered a permanent role at the end of their training. It’s a key part of our business strategy and also allows us to address the skills gap in the industry.”

Jayne Spiers, senior HR advisor, added: “We’re very proud of our apprentices, past and present, who have taken part. They’re a vital part of the team and we were delighted that five of them were able to attend the awards ceremony at West Midland Safari Park to celebrate the programme’s success.”