Minster shortlisted for prestigious apprenticeship...

A Midlands IT and software provider has been shortlisted as a finalist for a prestigious award which recognises its work in developing young people and providing jobs.

Kidderminster-based Minster Micro Computers Ltd is one of two finalists in the Newcomer Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category of the 2016 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards – after impressing judges and business leaders with its commitment to apprenticeships and skills creation.

The awards, led by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire County Council, were established to recognise exceptional achievementand will see 24 of the county’s best apprentices, employers and training providers compete for 10 awards.

Minster, which employs more than 20 people at its Worcester Road headquarters, is competing against the Droitwich branch of vacuum cleaner giant Vax for the accolade.

Minster director Susan Marlow said: “We are so honoured to have been recognised by making the final two in our category, November’s ceremony can’t come round fast enough. It’s a huge milestone and shows how fast our apprenticeship programme is developing.

“Apprenticeships are hugely important, both to the young people who are able to earn while they learn, and the businesses who invest in the next generation of talent.

“We believe wholeheartedly in developing the skills of our young colleagues and building on their impressive commitment to the business. We have a fantastic group of apprenticeswho are each contributing every day to our success with innovative ideas, determination and a willingness to make their mark in the business world.”

The awards take place on 17 November at West Midlands Safari Park and will be presented 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 further apprentices have already been offered placements starting in Autumn this year. The company has more than 35 years’ experiencesupporting a variety of businesses with their infrastructure and software.

Minster is an accredited SAP Business One Partner and Pegasus business software provider. The firm also supplies payroll software, training and a variety of IT support services – including the 3CX VoIP telephony system.