Invotra is thrilled to have won 'Highly Commended SME Employer of the Year' at the 2018 National Apprenticeship Awards

Interview with Alison Galvin, HR Director:

“What an honour. We are extremely proud that our hard work and investment in our apprenticeship programme has been recognised nationally. We are equally delighted for our apprentices, as this award is also recognition that their on-the-job learning and application to their studies is highly valued.

We were up against some fantastic organisations, so, coming joint 2nd out of 9 worthy nominees was truly amazing.

At Invotra, an intranet software company based outside of London, it is better for us to nurture our own talent. Our apprentices benefit from being mentored by our internal experts as well as having access to up-to-date industry insights and formal training.

As a service company, people are at the heart of everything we do and critical to exceeding our customers’ expectations.  We love to develop raw talent and watch our apprentices fly.”

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship/offer an apprenticeship within your business?

We’re extremely proud of our company culture, based on continual learning, support and personal development. We have built an incredible team. Our skilled and dedicated staff members work around the clock to ensure we provide industry-leading services for our customers.

Apprenticeships are central to the success of Invotra. More than one-third of employees are current or former apprentices. We’re extremely proud to be a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer for two years running and offer an award-winning apprenticeship programme for present and future employees.

What does it mean to be a national finalist in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018?

It is fantastic for our company to have its apprenticeship programme recognised nationally.  It also makes our apprentices proud to be part of a successful programme but also valued as a meaningful and essential part of our company. Apprentices are central to our success. Over a third of all our employees are present or former apprentices and many have been promoted to managerial positions responsible for developing new talent.

What impact has entering the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018 made to you/your business?

Entering the National Apprenticeship Awards has helped us document and realise the extent or our hard work over a number of years. It has given us a focus to work towards – we have been previous regional winners for two years running and are a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer. We will continue chasing that National title until we win!

It has also helped Invotra formalise our programme even further and develop a well-defined internal, supportive community.

Any further comments?

I just want to congratulate all of the other winners and nominees. It’s fantastic to see so many people’s hard work and dedication to championing apprenticeships being recognised.