Softcat Highly Commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards

Softcat has been highly commended by judges for the Rolls-Royce Newcomer Large Employer of the Year award. The IT reseller received the accolade while attending the National Apprenticeship Awards at Grosvenor House in London on Friday 20 January 2017.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in its 13th year, looks for standout companies that demonstrate the positive impact apprenticeship schemes have on organisations and careers. The judges also single out star apprentices that have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

From the hundreds of applicants, the judges whittled the list down to 18 employers and nine apprentices, representing a wide variety of sectors and roles.

“It’s fantastic to be recognised as one of the nation’s top apprenticeship providers,” commented Martin Hellawell, Softcat’s chief executive. “Apprenticeships have become part of Softcat’s DNA and the scheme has proven to be an incredible source of talent.”

Regional judging panels took place last summer, with Softcat winning the award for the North West region.

Softcat, which last year was named the UK’s Best Workplace, recruits apprentices from local schools and colleges to fulfil a wide variety of positions. The company first opened its doors to apprentices in 2014 and since then, the scheme has gone from strength to strength. Last year, the reseller welcomed 23 new employees to its apprenticeship scheme, its largest single intake to date.

As runner up of the award, Softcat also ranked in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list 2016.

Softcat said that it plans to further develop the scheme, and increase its apprentice headcount in 2017. The firm also aims to become a government-approved training provider, giving it finer control over delivery and assessment of its scheme.

The Learning and Performance Institute has also shortlisted Softcat as a finalist in the Learning Awards Apprentice Programme of the Year. Every year, the Institute recognises outstanding examples of high standards, innovation and excellence in Learning and Development. The winner will be announced early next month.

Hellawell concluded: “It’s vital that companies in our industry start to cultivate talent from within. Our scheme has proven, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that the apprenticeship model works. These extraordinary young men and women may have only started their journey into the world of business, but they are the key to Softcat’s future success.”

For more information about Softcat’s apprenticeship scheme visit their careers page.