A WORCESTER firm has been recognised at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

ISO Quality Services Ltd enjoyed a successful evening when the winners were announced at a ceremony held on Friday, January 20.

After winning a regional award for the second time at the West Midlands Apprenticeship Awards in October 2016, the company was shortlisted for the national award in this category.

As finalists ISO Quality Services Ltd was featured in the Top 100 Apprentice Employers across the UK, and at the ceremony staff discovered it had been awarded a Highly Commended award.

ISO Quality Services Ltd started its apprenticeship scheme in 2012 and has now supported six apprentices. In the last year, the business has taken on three new apprentices to join their growing team in St Johns, Worcester.

The apprentices have taken on different roles in the company including client services, finance, and marketing.

Jennifer Appleton, operations director of ISO Quality Services, said: “It is absolutely wonderful that we were able to make it this year to the national finals, and fantastic to be recognised as a runner-up in this category.

"Myself and the team at ISO Quality Services Ltd would like to congratulate the winner of the small employer of the year award, Ebsford Environmental Ltd, and also to Blu Sky Tax for also making it to the final stage.

"Our apprentices bring so many benefits to our business and it was a wonderful event to be a part of."

The awards, now in their 13th year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas, businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards enable talented apprentices and committed employers to receive the recognition they truly deserve - celebrating the achievements of apprentices and businesses and allowing them to gain the credit for investing in their own futures.

"ISO Quality Services Ltd has been highly commended and I would like to congratulate them on their brilliant achievement.”

To find out more about the awards visit gov.uk/government/topical-events/national-apprenticeship-awards-2016.