A HOUSING company has made it through to the final round of the prestigious Apprenticeship 4 England Awards 2015.

Wigan and Leigh Homes (WALH) has reached the final of the awards, which is in its second year and recognises those organisations and training providers who go the extra mile to provide top quality apprenticeships.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in March – a week before National Apprenticeship Week.

Janice Barton, chief executive of WALH, said: “Wigan and Leigh Homes is passionate about investing in the future of the borough’s young people, which is why we have committed to providing 12 apprenticeship opportunities each year as part of our Deal for Tenants.

“We also encourage our contractors to do the same – creating even more opportunities for local people.

“I am absolutely delighted that our hard work and commitment has been recognised by Apprenticeships 4 England and look forward to seeing if we have won.”

Since their apprenticeship programme began, WALH and their contractors have employed more than 100 apprentices, many of whom have gone on to secure permanent positions.

Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet member for housing at Wigan Council, said: “Wigan and Leigh Homes are already winners in my eyes.

“They demonstrate true commitment to helping local young people succeed and their continued investment in the borough’s young people is truly admirable.”

This year’s awards have attracted a record 100 per cent increase in entries.

Apprenticeships 4 England chief executive, Lindsay McCurdy, said: “This year we have been taken aback by the huge increase in submissions, all of which have been of such an extremely high quality.

“With such a large number of entries the competition is fierce, making the achievements of all finalists all the more impressive.”