A NUMBER of North-East firms have been praised as some of the UK’s best apprentice employers.

The National Apprenticeship Service has highlighted 100 companies for their contribution to apprenticeships.

Its list includes accountancy practice Mitchells Grievson, in Bishop Auckland, which previously picked up the small employer of the year title at the National Apprenticeship Regional Awards.

Telecoms firm EE, which is Darlington’s largest employer and last year unveiled plans to recruit about 500 apprentices, also received praise.

Other companies on the list were Livin Housing, in Spennymoor, County Durham, Cestria Community Housing Association, in Chester-le-Street, Bernicia Housing Group and SCA Hygiene, both in Northumberland, and Newcastle engineer EDM Zone.

The firms were revealed by Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Mr Clegg added: “These employers have clearly demonstrated how apprenticeships have a major part to play in building great businesses.

“I would encourage more businesses to follow these shining examples and find out how apprenticeships can help them build a skilled, motivated and highly qualified workforce.”

Other companies on the list included North Yorkshire County Council, Nestle, in York, Vital Technology Group, in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, and Scarborough’s Dale Power Solutions.