GREENE KING NAMED WINNER OF VQ LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

20 May, 2015

Greene King has been named winner of the 2015 VQ Large Employer of the Year Award, in recognition of the outstanding support it has provided to those undertaking vocational qualifications (VQs) within its workforce.

Greene King established its apprenticeship programme in 2011 as part of its strategy to invest in both existing employees and newcomers to the business. In this time, over 3,000 employees have achieved nationally recognised qualifications, with 2,000 more expected to complete theirs within the next 12 months. Since introducing the programme, Greene King has seen a positive increase in staff retention, as it looks to develop in-house talent.

Greene King beat off competition from two other shortlisted organisations to win the VQ Large Employer of the Year Award. The award is sponsored by City & Guilds, and is split into Large and SME categories. The overall winner will be chosen by a judging panel and announced at the VQ Awards on 9th June, a prestigious ceremony hosted by garden designer and television personality Diarmuid Gavin.

Rooney Anand, chief executive officer of Greene King, said: "We are proud of our tradition of investing in our people, their skills and development and our apprenticeship programme has supported that commitment over the last four years. We are thrilled that our investment in employees has been recognised in this year's VQ Awards. Not only do vocational qualifications help the individual achieve their career goals, but they also improve staff retention and productivity."

The VQ Awards are held the evening before VQ Day, which is an annual event led by independent education charity, the Edge Foundation. It aims to celebrate the benefits of technical, practical and vocational learning, not only to the individual and employers but also to their communities. From 16-year-olds to those over 60, VQ Day celebrates the acquisition of new skills and the uptake of high quality vocational qualifications.

David Harbourne, Acting CEO of the Edge Foundation: "Greene King has been named winner for this year's VQ Large Employer of the Year Award for championing technical, practical and vocational skills within its workforce. It's very important for us to recognise companies like Greene King that have invested in their people and practical learning. In doing so it sends a strong message about the value of vocational qualifications and training and the benefits they bring to both employers and the economy."

For more information about VQ Day and the VQ Employer of the Year Awards, please visit www.vqday.org.uk

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