Lanarkshire firm nominated for top honour at Scottish Apprenticeship Awards

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire employer dedicated to providing opportunities to people from under-represented groups has been nominated for a top honour at next week's Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.Airdrie's Bell Decorating Group uses work experience placements and taster days to help refugees, care leavers, ex-offenders, cadets and those leaving the military, as well as those furthest from the employment ladder from the communities in which they operate.These initiatives have resulted in the firm being named as a finalist in this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in the Large Employer of the Year - Promoting Diversity category.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The family owned and operated firm has employed more than 1000 apprentices since 1984 and will be offering a work taster session to Ukrainian refugees on March 6 to promote apprenticeship vacancies.Founder George Bell started out as an apprentice and the painting and building maintenance contractor has a clear vision to employ 100 apprentices a year - nationally - over the next five years.The business currently employs 89 apprentices in Scotland, through Modern Apprenticeships in painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, site management, occupational work supervision and construction management.