Sanctuary Group apprenticeship scheme scoops top award

Published by Gareth Holmes for Sanctuary Housing Association in Education and also in Housing

Leading UK housing and care provider Sanctuary Group has been named one of the best employers in the West Midlands after scooping a prestigious award for its apprenticeship programme.

Sanctuary took the accolade for Macro Employer of the Year (5,000+ employees) at the West Midlands regional finals of the National Apprenticeship and Training Awards.

Hosted by the National Apprenticeship Service in conjunction with the National Training Awards, the scheme has been designed to recognise and reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices and also the businesses that employ them.

Sanctuary’s nationwide apprenticeship programme offers roles across a range of business areas, including finance, IT, business administration, health, social care, housing, maintenance operations and horticulture. The apprentices benefit from on-the-job training and receive support to work towards nationally recognised qualifications, allowing them to earn while they learn.

The awards attracted more than 1,500 entrants and Sanctuary’s success at the West Midlands regional awards mean that it will now go forward to the national finals which take place later this year.

Karen Woodward, Divisional Apprenticeship Director from the National Apprenticeship Service, added: “This year’s awards were a terrific showcase of the outstanding wealth of talent that we have across the West Midlands.   Given the volume and high calibre of entries we received, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sanctuary Group for this superb achievement.  They are a testament to the many benefits apprenticeships and training bring to businesses, allowing employers to tap into new raw talent, up-skill their staff and grow.”

Amanda Gonsalves, Sanctuary Group’s Director of HR, said: “We are thrilled to be announced as West Midlands Macro Employer of the Year at these prestigious awards.

“We believe it is important to create opportunities for people to get into the workplace and help them gain the skills needed to build successful careers.

“Sanctuary currently employs over 200 apprentices, either directly or through its partners, and this important scheme is an integral part of the Group’s talent agenda. Our apprenticeship programme is an increasingly popular route and these young people bring real value to our business.”

The national award winners will be revealed during WorldSkills UK - the UK’s largest national skills and careers event - at the NEC in Birmingham on 14 November.