Be Wiser, the insurance group due to create 350 jobs when it opens an office in Swindon this spring, has been named as one of the country’s leading employers of apprentices.
The firm, which has employed more than 250 apprentices, was awarded the Newcomer – Large Employer of the Year accolade at the National Apprenticeship Awards.
Be Wiser, one of the fastest-growing firms in the UK insurance industry, announced last month that it will lease a 10,000 sq ft office in Dorcan where it will build up a 350-strong team over the next three years.
The privately owned firm, which specialises in car, van, bike and home cover, employs 700 people at its Andover headquarters.
Director of training and development Crescens George said: “Apprenticeships have enriched and improved our business in many ways. Introducing apprenticeships to the business has enabled us to invest in our staff and turn ‘jobs’ into ‘careers’.
“For many of our employees, an apprenticeship scheme has given them an opportunity to re-engage in education and has enabled them to become valuable and professionally qualified members of staff.”
The company was praised by skills minister Nick Boles, who said: “Apprenticeships truly are set to be one of the great success stories of the decade, and Be Wiser Insurance is a worthy ambassador.
“[The Government is] committed to 3m apprenticeships by 2020 so that even more businesses can follow Be Wiser’s lead and reap the benefits of apprenticeships.”
The awards, now in their 12th year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.
Pictured, from left: Sue Husband, National Apprenticeships Service, Richard Harcourt, executive vice-president supply chain at Rolls Royce, Crescens George of Be Wiser, and Nadhim Zahawi, the Prime Minister advisor on apprenticeships
