Barratt Developments was crowned as the Macro Employer of the Year 2014 at the National Apprenticeship Awards, which saw Nick Clegg make an appearance.

The largest house builder in Britain has the biggest apprenticeship programme, recruiting 216 this year, and was chosen as the winner in recognition of its commitment to developing young people through apprenticeships.

Grants and Funding Manager at Barratt Developments, Phil Evans, stressed the importance apprenticeships play at the company.

“Apprenticeships are key to how we recruit and train new staff and our apprentices enter the supply chain qualified to a higher standard than others, making them more employable and a more efficient tradesperson on our build projects,” he said.

“Because of the programme’s success, we plan to recruit 1,100 graduates, apprentices and trainees over the next three years.

“We are delighted to have won this award and hope it will further our aim of making the house building sector a preferred employment choice for 14-18 year olds.”

The award winners were congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the event in Birmingham, he wants to encourage more businesses across the country to follow the examples of the award winners.

“Good quality apprenticeships create a fairer society by giving hard working young people the chance to aim for their dream job whilst playing their part in building a stronger economy for Britain,” he said.

“Around half a million people a year take the chance to learn whilst they work and we are on track to celebrate a fantastic milestone– the two millionth apprentice since 2010. So my message to business is don’t stop now – take on an apprentice and invest in new talent.”

Barratt Developments also made it onto the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds and recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.

“For the Top 100 Apprentice Employers recognised in 2014, their great achievement clearly outlines why apprenticeships deliver the skills that young people and the economy need,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.