Hays Travel has been named as a finalist for north-east employer of the year in the 2017 National Apprenticeship Awards.
The awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service and now in their 14th year, recognise employers and apprentices from across England.
Hays Travel beat off competition from more than 800 entrants to gain a place in the finals.
The awards reward excellent businesses that grow their own talent with apprenticeships and apprentices, who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.
Winners and highly commended entries from all regions across England will be recognised at one of six events held across the country this autumn.
After the regional ceremonies, winners will progress to the next stage of the competition, where their applications will be assessed by a national judging panel.
National finalists will be announced in December and will be invited to a final ceremony on January 18 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The independent agency group’s head of HR and training, Katie Woods-Ruddick, said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards are regarded as a benchmark of quality within the apprenticeship service and within training. We are tremendously proud to have made the shortlist alongside such strong entrants.”
Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Our awards are an exciting opportunity to recognise the hard work and success of apprentices and the commitment of apprenticeship employers. The regional finalists announced demonstrate promise and drive and have a real enthusiasm for the apprenticeship programme.
“Our finalists show clearly the impact of apprenticeships on skills and on how businesses perform. I applaud every finalist for getting this far and I look forward to celebrating the achievements and loyalty of winners. I wish everyone the best as we move into the next phase of this competition.”