The National Apprenticeship Service has revealed that Sellafield, based in Seascale is amongst the UK’s top apprentice employers.

Sellafield is one of 24 talented apprentices and their employers that have been named as finalists in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards.  Sellafield recently won the Macro Employer of the Year category in the North West regional heats.  The Awards shortlist closely follows the announcement by the Government that the number of Apprenticeship places available is to be boosted by 50,000.

Sellafield currently employs 320 apprentices and works closely with training provider Gen II to deliver industry specific skills to its workforce.

John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “The annual Apprenticeship Awards recognise individuals who have achieved so much through hard work and good instruction and highlight the commitment many employers have made to invest in their workforce.

“Apprenticeships play a huge role in providing the skills we need to build an advanced economy.  They help get young people into work, boost productivity and improve competitiveness.  That is why we have created 50,000 additional Apprenticeship places.  We want to see more Apprenticeships shaped by business needs.  For this Government, skills are a priority and Apprenticeships are at the heart of our determination to produce a new generation of craftsmen capable of building a highly skilled, competitive economy.”

David McNerney, Executive Director Human Resources at Sellafield Ltd was thrilled when he heard the news of the company’s achievement and commented, “Hearing that we’d been named a nationalist finalist so soon after winning the Macro Employer of the Year award in the North West competition was fantastic.  Our commitment to Apprenticeships goes back 50 years and with over 300 apprentices currently employed it’s clear to see how much we value the programme.

“Going head-to-head for the national award with macro employers from across the country is an exciting feeling, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we fare.  I’m sure it will be a great occasion that rightly celebrates the impact Apprenticeships can have on business performance.”

Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce says, “Congratulations to Sellafield on such a fantastic achievement.  As one of a number of companies in Cumbria working with apprentices, we’re giving our young people the best possible start in life.”