Firm's training has the edge on others (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Firm's training has the edge on others

TH White apprentice David MorrisAGRICULTURAL firm TH White has been awarded £10,000 after being crowned the West Country's best employer for practical learning.

The Devizes-based firm, which has a branch in Wootton Bassett, was awarded the honour after winning the regional heats of the Edge Employer Award.

It recognises the best employers in England offering practical learning opportunities to 14-25 year-olds.

The company will now go head-to-head with eight other large-sized organisations for the chance to be recognised as the country's best practical learning employer and receive a £200,000 investment.

Managing director David Scott said: "We are delighted to have won an Edge Employer Award.

"Gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of qualified staff helps school leavers understand the relevance of academic study and makes their work more interesting, resulting in them becoming self-motivating and valuable members of the community."

David Morris, 19, an apprentice in the lorry crane Division at TH White, said: "I knew nothing about lorry cranes before joining the company but am learning skills to back up the theory from college."

All regional winners will receive their trophy and prize at the Edge Employer Awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate, in London on November 1, at which the four national winners are to be announced.