Last week, at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship awards, one of Kidderminster College’s apprenticeship employers, CP Foods (UK) Ltd, won the Employer of the Year Award. The Employer of the Year award recognises employers who show their commitment and contribution to apprenticeships and who successfully develop their workforce as a result.
Gail Hamilton, Work Based Learning Co-ordinator at Kidderminster College, who nominated CP Foods for the award says, “The company are truly passionate about supporting and progressing the younger generation. They offer outstanding opportunities to grow in the workplace, with enhanced benefits that I don’t believe are offered at many other companies locally or nationally. The programme is very well supported and embedded in the business, ensuring that any vacancies which arise are considered firstly as apprenticeship opportunities, showing their true commitment.”
“The success of the approach to apprenticeships is clearly apparent as all individuals have progressed through promotion into permanent job roles within the business. Some have even ventured in to different work areas in which they have been introduced and shown an interest as a career path.”
The apprentices are considered an integral part of the team from day one, and are really enjoying their apprenticeships and employment with CP Foods.
Annie Brannon says, “When my last employer was unable to offer me a Level 3, following the completion of my Level 2, Gail at Kidderminster College suggested I get in touch with CP Foods. I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to progress onto Level 3 and quickly settled in to my role. With support, I have secured a permanent role within the business and will continue my apprenticeship at Level 4. The support and encouragement I receive every day from CP is amazing. They are very generous and I couldn’t ask to work for a better company.”
Kyle Barker says, “Since joining CP in January, the exposure I have had to various aspects of the business has been incredible. I have the best mentor in my Line Manager David, who allows me to join him on customer visits and visit various CP sites. I am learning new things every day and have even been offered a permanent job already!”
The awards ceremony was held at Tree Tops Pavilion, West Midland Safari Park. All ten categories received a large amount of nominations and a record number of entries progressed through to this year’s awards finals. Judges for the awards have described the finalists as highlighting the exceptionally positive contribution that apprenticeships have on the local workforce.