A KNUTSFORD apprentice and a major employer from the town are celebrating after winning top accolades at the regional final of the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards 2013.

Barclays RBB Technology based at Radbroke Hall and apprentice, Chloe Gailes from Barclays Bank are the proud winners.

They received their awards at the regional awards ceremony which was organised by the National Apprenticeship Service and held at The Co-operative Group HQ in Manchester.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in their 10th year, celebrate the achievements of the country’s most outstanding apprentices and Apprenticeship employers.

Chloe Gailes, apprentice with Barclays Bank in the town, said: “This award is the icing on the cake for me personally.

“I joined Barclays Apprenticeship Scheme a few years ago as an apprentice in IT and feel that I’ve demonstrated the enthusiasm, tenacity and resolve needed to build a successful career in the financial services sector.

“Since completing the apprenticeship, I’ve gone on to fulfil a role which enables me to bring new strategic technologies into the bank.

“I am passionate about the apprenticeships within Barclays and especially dedicated to inspiring others to reach their potential through completing one. I will continue to help promote the programme and mentor others so they can gain as much from an apprenticeship as I have done.”

Lesley Clarke, spokesman for Barclays RBB Technology, said: “This award is a tremendous achievement and testament to the Barclays Bank Technology Apprenticeship Programme which is now in its fourth year and has recruited 184 apprentices to date.

“Our apprentices spend two years developing their knowledge, skills and experience in real jobs which impact the day-to-day running of the bank. All complete Advanced Apprenticeships and are encouraged to move onto Higher Apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships are a highly valued recruitment channel to bring talent into the bank – it has re-energised our business.”

Sue Price, divisional area director for the National Apprenticeship Service in the north, said: “The regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards was a fantastic evening of celebration, and a brilliant opportunity to recognise the high calibre of apprentices and employers in our region.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners from Knutsford and wish them continued success in the future.

This year the National Apprenticeship Awards received in excess of 1,600 high quality entrants, with the region’s winners now proceeding through to a final judging stage. The national award winners will be announced during the opening ceremony of the UK’s largest national skills and careers event, The Skills Show, at the NEC in Birmingham on 14 November.

Meanwhile, the National City and Guilds Apprenticeship Champion of the Year Award winner will be decided by a public vote, taking place until October 11. The top three will then be announced and voting will reopen from October 14 to 18 to decide the ultimate Apprenticeship Champion winner.