Caerphilly-based Celtic Horizons has been named employer of the year at an awards ceremony designed to celebrate success in apprenticeships and work-based learning.
Vocational Skills Partnership (VSP) Wales held their Learner and Employer Awards ceremony at the Vale Resort last month where Celtic Horizons won their award for their commitment to providing training and development opportunities for their staff and local communities.
Celtic Horizons is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Caerphilly-based housing association, United Welsh.
Launched in 2013 to deliver building and maintenance services, Celtic Horizons has since offered 27 apprenticeships covering a variety of skills including carpentry, plumbing and electrical training.
There are currently 15 apprentices working within Celtic Horizons’ team of 148 staff.
Lynda Sagona, Chief Executive of the United Welsh group said: “We are delighted to win this award which we believe recognises the success of Celtic Horizons’ apprentices and also, the hard work of everyone who has supported them throughout their employment.”
In addition to offering trade-based apprenticeships, Celtic Horizons has also supported staff with business administration and management skills, enabling them to learn how to manage high performing teams and progress into more senior positions.
Neil Chidgey, Partnership Director at Celtic Horizons, said: “These learning programmes have benefited the business overall, with the new practices incorporated into Celtic Horizons’ daily service delivery having a positive impact on our business targets.”