Wise owls scoop gong in National Apprenticeship Awards.

Be Wiser Insurance, which is due to open new offices in the town, picked up “Newcomer – Large Employer of the Year” at the National Apprenticeship Awards ceremony in London, which recognised top apprentices and leading employers from around the country.

Be Wiser currently employs more than 700 people and has more than 250 apprentices – most of whom have trained with the insurance broking company in the last five years.

Its new offices in Swindon are set to employ a further 350 people over the next three years Crescens George, Director of Training and Development at Be Wiser 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."

The company was praised by Skills Minister Nick Boles said: "Apprenticeships are set to be one of the great success stories of the decade, and Be Wiser Insurance is a worthy ambassador.

“We are committed to three million apprenticeships by 2020 so that even more businesses can follow Be Wiser’s lead and reap the benefits of apprenticeships.”

Paul Britton, the CEO of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce which includes Swindon said: "We understand the importance of Apprenticeships so congratulate Be Wiser on this Award.

"We are also delighted to welcome the business to Swindon and its contribution to the local economy."

Nadhim Zahawi, the Prime Minister’s Apprenticeship Adviser, who presented the awards, said, “There are many examples of excellent apprenticeships and apprentices in England and these winners are the best of the best. It’s an honour to have been part of these awards."

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.

To find out more about the company visit www.bewiser.co.uk