Leeds based Zenith has been named in the Centrica Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list which recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
Compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service, the list was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which took place on 18 January at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The list recognises the most exceptional apprenticeship employers from all of the National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories and showcases the breadth of employers who now offer apprenticeships.
In a record year for its apprenticeship scheme, Zenith hired 100% of participants into permanent roles as the business moves to address the automotive industry’s skills shortage.
Marisa Waddington, HR director at Zenith, said: “It is vital for our business and the wider industry that we engage and nurture the next generation of talent. At Zenith, apprentices take an active role across the business to develop skills in line with company values. It is great to see the hard work of the team rewarded with national recognition.”
As the UK’s largest independent leasing, fleet management and vehicle outsourcing business Zenith has grown from eight employees at launch to over 650 today.
It launched the long-running apprentice programme to nurture and develop talent, working with schools and colleges to inspire students into a career in the fleet industry.
Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list 2017 demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have on an organisation. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, up to degree level, while working and earning.
“These Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers are making a difference to the lives of their apprentices by investing in their future. In return, apprentices are helping employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce to build a stronger economy.”
Zenith designed the programme as a partnership between its current workforce and new apprentices, supporting both parties as they come together. It supports the development of the individual in completing their apprenticeship and developing awareness of the programme with the wider business and local community.
