Hotchkiss, a leading ductwork contractor dealing with some of the country's biggest building projects, has helped thousands of school leavers gain specialist skills.

Managing director of Hotchkiss, George Humphreys, was presented with the award at the Quality in Construction ceremony in London.

He said, "Our apprenticeship scheme is something we are truly proud of. It is recognised nationally as an industry training benchmark and, at the same time, its focus remains the furthering of skills for the young people involved."

Hotchkiss, based in Marshall Road, Hampden Park, began trading in 1855 and promotes traditional values.

Its mentoring programme is key to its success, with trainees learning the expertise of craftsmen.

A judge commented on the company's 'glaring passion' for its scheme after interviewing the short-listed companies. Promoting training has been a forte at Hotchkiss for almost a century, with the first apprentice taken on in 1911.

Hotchkiss is currently interviewing for this year's intake of apprentices for its award-winning scheme. Apprenticeships are available for applicants interested in working as trainee engineers, draughtspersons, quantity surveyors, estimators, skilled sheet metal fabricators and ductwork installers.

More information is available on the Hotchkiss website www.hotchkiss.co.uk, or by calling Mel Hobbs on 01323 501234.