THREE apprentices at Worcester-based housing and care provider Sanctuary Group have been recognised for their achievements at the 2012 Worcestershire Group Training Association (WGTA) Apprenticeship Awards.

The annual awards acknowledge the success of vocational training delivered through apprenticeship programmes designed to prepare young people for key jobs in local business.

Jade King, 20, was named Level 2 Commerce Apprentice of the Year, 20-year-old Jeya Greenfield scooped the same accolade for Level 3 and 21-year-old Emma Grice received the Excellence in Accountancy award.

The individual accolades for the Sanctuary trio came just days after Sanctuary Group was named one of the country’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds.

The Top 100 list recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices. Established in 2007, Sanctuary’s nationwide apprenticeship programme offers roles in a range of business areas, including finance, IT, business administration, health, social care, housing, maintenance operations and horticulture.

Apprentices receive on-the-job training and support to work towards nationally recognised qualifications, allowing them to earn while they learn.

David Bennett, Sanctuary Group chief executive, said: “Jade, Jeya and Emma’s achievements are well deserved and demonstrate just what can be accomplished by following a well-structured apprenticeship. I am delighted to see their hard work and enthusiasm rewarded in this way.

“Sanctuary’s apprentices are having a positive impact on our business and we would encourage other organisations to consider this as a way to develop valuable new talent for the future.”

Philip Round, chief executive of Worcestershire Group Training Association, said: “We are delighted that we were able to recognise the outstanding achievements of Emma, Jade and Jeya and the positive impact that the apprentices are having at Sanctuary Group.

“If any organisation is unsure of the value apprentices can bring to an organisation look no further. Sanctuary Group and its apprentices are exceptional ambassadors for the brand.”