ISO QUALITY Services of Worcester has been shortlisted for the National Apprenticeships Awards Finals after being named West Midlands small employer of the year for the second time.

The Bromyard Road certification provider qualified after winning at the West Midlands National Apprenticeship Awards 2016 regional ceremony in October.

ISO operations director Jennifer Appleton said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been have been put forward for the National Award for the first time. Our apprenticeship scheme is at the very heart of our company and we are excited to be able to continue to offer opportunities for young people within our team.”

The National Apprenticeship Awards, which are run by the National Apprenticeship Service, provides employers and apprentices across England with a chance to step forward and show how much of a difference apprenticeships have made to their organisations and careers. The awards recognise excellence among apprentices who have proven their hardworking and determination in the workplace and businesses that support the growth of their apprentices while building on their talent as an organisation. The best employer category entries will also feature in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list 2016, which will be announced at the ceremony on January 20.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service said: "The National Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the commitment of employers to apprenticeships. The regional finalists have shown their dedication to improving their own skills or those of their employees by pledging to support apprenticeships.”