A KIDDERMINSTER IT business has been highly commended for its commitment to apprenticeships and for its work in developing young people and providing jobs.

Worcester Road-based Minster Micro Computers Ltd finished as runner-up in the Newcomer Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards last month.

The annual awards recognise exceptional achievement amongst Worcestershire’s best apprentices, employers and training providers. The scheme is organised by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Minster, which employs a team of 20 specialists, came a close second to cleaning giant Vax in the category.

Susan Marlow, director at Minster Micro said: “To be recognised and commended by business leaders for our successful apprenticeship programme is a superb milestone for us, especially as we were up against some large nationwide companies.

“We are only 18 months into the new programme but already it has seen a number of young people flourishing and developing themselves.

“They have also helped to grow our business with an injection of new ideas and skills, something which I think any business needs to succeed.

“It meant so much for our efforts to be highlighted at the awards and I’d like to thank all of the judges for their comments and support on what was a wonderful evening.”

The awards took place at Bewdley’s West Midlands Safari Park and were hosted by Tim Campbell MBE, the first candidate taken on by Lord Sugar in the BBC’s hit series, The Apprentice.

In the past 18 months, Minster has taken on four apprentices working in marketing, IT and software engineering, and a further three apprentices have already started placements this Autumn.