FOUR employees at Sanctuary Group headquarters in Worcester have won business awards for outstanding achievement.

The quartet from the offices in Castle Street, all scored in the 2014 Worcestershire Group Training Association apprenticeship awards.

Bethany Griffin, who lives in Hallow, won the personal development award, Thomas Webb of St John's scooped the level two apprentice of the year accolade, Sophie O’Neill of St Peter's received the excellence in accountancy award and Geraldine Stone, who lives in Droitwich, was named apprentice champion, in recognition of her contribution to developing the skills of young people.

Amanda Gonsalves, Sanctuary’s group director – HR, said: “These awards are well deserved and testament to the value of our apprenticeship programme and positive impact it is having across the Group. I am delighted to see these four members of staff recognised in this way and have no doubt they will continue to grow in their roles and develop their skills further.”

The annual apprenticeship awards acknowledge the success of vocational training delivered through apprenticeship programmes designed to prepare young people for key jobs in local business. Sanctuary’s apprenticeship programme is helping many young people into work. Nationwide, the housing and care provider is currently supporting over 450 young people both directly and indirectly through development partners. The Group currently employs 205 apprentices directly in England, including 36 in Worcester. The apprenticeship programme offers roles in a range of areas including finance, IT, business administration, health, social care, housing, maintenance operations and horticulture. Those taking part in the programme benefit from on-the-job training and receive support to work towards nationally recognised qualifications, allowing them to earn while they learn.