A BOLTON firm is celebrating after being named one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the UK.

Domestic appliances firm AO.com was included in the prestigious list – compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service – after the contribution it has made to its apprenticeship scheme over the last 12 months.

The list was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards which took place on Tuesday at Grosvenor House in London.

AO.com took on its first seven apprentices in April 2014, and now has apprentices working across a number of departments in the business, such as; IT, design, digital, PR, facilities and ecommerce.

Altogether, the company now has 23 apprentices working across its UK and Germany sites, with 15 of these joining the company last year. AO.com is planning on building on this foundation in 2016, with a number of other apprenticeship positions currently being planned.

John Roberts, CEO and founder at AO.com, said: “We are delighted to have been included in this prestigious list collated by the National Apprenticeship Service. It’s a great achievement for not only all of our amazing apprentices but also the team that helps to develop these individuals in their chosen specialisms within AO.

“Any success we enjoy as a business stems entirely from our people being who they are, loving what they do and striving to be the best they can be, and our apprenticeship programme has been no exception to this. The scheme has not only given us the opportunity to develop talent internally but also the chance to nurture the next generation of AO-ers from the very beginning of their careers, meaning they grow, as we do. Protecting our culture is fundamental to AO’s future success and developing our apprentices within the business is key to this. ”

AO.com was recognised for its wide and varied range of opportunities and further training it offers its apprentices including; brand training, product knowledge, and additional IT courses. All apprentices who join AO, as well as receiving traditional business training, are also encouraged to participate in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. AO.com helps fund this programme because it recognises how important it is for young adults within the company to understand and appreciate the benefits of teamwork, determination, and self-belief.

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said:

“The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list 2015 demonstrates clearly the impact apprentices can have on an organisation. These Top 100 apprenticeship employers have made a difference to the lives of young people by investing in their future whilst apprentices themselves help employers to develop a skilled, qualified workforce that builds a stronger economy. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, in some cases up to degree level, while working and earning.”