WHITCHURCH companies and employers have been praised by a Shropshire training provider for their work, in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

The praise comes from SBC Training; Shropshire’s largest independent training provider, who wanted to acknowledge the outstanding support received from employers in Whitchurch, such as Landia and Nantwich Cheese,

Colin Thaw, managing director of SBC Training said the two companies were shining examples of how to bring apprentices through.

He said: “I would like to personally thank the fantastic employers who are providing great opportunities for local young people.

"They are helping them to take the first step on the ladder toward successful careers which will not only benefit them, but will also contribute to our local economy.

"The employers in turn gain from the enthusiasm, hard work and new ideas that apprentices provide; it’s a win-win [situation].

"We would like to showcase two of our local employers and hope that in National Apprenticeship Week more will join with them to offer apprenticeship opportunities.”

Landia is a leading supplier of pumping and mixing solutions to numerous industries, including wastewater, agriculture, biogas and food processing.

A long-standing advocate of apprenticeships, Landia maintains a proud record of always having at least one young engineer in training – and believes very much in a hands-on approach.

Apprentices have gained engineering qualifications at Level 2 and Level 3.

Most recently, after serving their two-year apprenticeships, Josh Edge, Jack Foster and Kieran Hilton – all from Whitchurch - are now full-time engineers at Landia, enjoying the challenge and variety that their careers give them.

Nantwich Cheese, which is a Beat Food Group company, trains accountancy apprentices at its site in Whitchurch.

The current apprentices are following their AAT qualifications at SBC Training in Shrewsbury and gaining experience with the finance team at Nantwich Cheese.

Luke Morgan, group chief executive, said: “Beat Food Group is passionate about maintaining a constant pipeline of talent throughout all its businesses and believe the apprenticeship scheme is an excellent way of developing their leaders of the future.

"In addition, Beat Food Group want to support the local area by offering training opportunities to local young people which delivers them with skills for life whether that be within our own family or in the wider world of work.

"The current economic climate is a challenging one, with unemployment set to reach new heights this year as the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit start to find their way through the country.

"Now it is more important than ever to provide young people with opportunities and job security and to provide a stable environment for apprentices to train and develop.”

To find out more about apprenticeships telephone 01743 454810 or email enquiries@sbc-trainiing.co.uk