AN apprenticeship scheme in the North York Moors National Park (NYMNP) has been honoured with a prestigious 2018 Princess Royal Training Award.

The National Park Authority now stands alongside 47 other UK companies, including John Lewis, GSK and the Royal Air Force, that have each been recognised for their outstanding training and development programmes.

Representatives from the National Park Authority will receive the award from the Princess Royal at a ceremony in later this month.

The North York Moors National Park launched its apprenticeship programme in 2002, with a small team of environmental conservation apprentices.

Since this time, the scheme has supported 120 young people to become ‘job ready’, directly addressing local skills shortages through their training and development programme. The authority

now employs 17 apprentices across business administration, tourism and conservation, making up 14 per cent of total staff.

Ian Nicholls, head of corporate services at the National Park Authority, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to providing outstanding training for young people, something almost every member of staff at the Authority is involved with in some way.

“Having apprentices employed in such a wide range of roles has contributed to a more vibrant and innovative working environment.

“They are as important as any other employee, and make a huge contribution to our ability to protect and conserve the beautiful North York Moors.”

The Princess Royal Training Awards, delivered by the City and Guilds Group, are now in their third year.

Applications are rigorously assessed by the Princess Royal and seven leading figures in the business and training community.