YORK-based Portakabin group has secured a hat-trick of awards for its work with apprentices.

The Huntington headquartered global business secured two National Apprenticeship Awards for Yorkshire and the Humber, and was named Large Employer of the Year at the York Apprenticeship Awards.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, which are run by the National Apprenticeship Service, recognise excellence in businesses that grow their own skilled workforce through apprentices. The Portakabin Group was the regional winner in the ‘Large Employer’ category and Martin Kennedy, Production and Logistics trainer, won the award for ‘Apprenticeship Champion of the Year’.

The Portakabin Group’s achievements were also recognised and celebrated at the York Apprenticeship Awards, where the company won the ‘Large Employer of the Year’ category for the second consecutive year.

Derek Carter, chief executive of the Portakabin Group said: "These awards are very important to us, having moved from just one apprenticeship in 2011 to 60 trainees this year, showing just how far we have come.

"Apprenticeships have allowed us to engage with individuals who are eager to learn, which is having a beneficial impact on other working colleagues. We have continued to expand the opportunities for apprenticeships and other trainee roles across the business and plans are now underway to create a ‘Portakabin Group Training Academy’."

"The award to Martin Kennedy is justly deserved. He has made a very significant contribution to apprenticeships, not just within our business but also in the York and Leeds areas."