Huddersfield based PR and marketing agency, KC Communications has been named a regional finalist in the employer category of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Now in their 17th year, the National Apprenticeship Awards showcase the diverse and growing range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships. The awards celebrate employers who fire up their business with apprenticeships, outstanding apprentices who blaze their own trail, and individuals who champion apprenticeships with passion.

KC Communications was founded in 2014 by Katrina Cliffe, who began her career as a business administration apprentice working for design agency, ATTIK. Since founding her own business, a number of apprentices have kickstarted their careers during the firm’s six-year history. It currently employs two members of staff going through the digital marketing apprenticeship with training provider, Estio.

The firm works with clients across a range of sectors including manufacturing, property, health tech and travel including Bramleys, Heald, Marshalls Mill, Mindwave Ventures, Specialist Glass Products, UKCaravans4Hire.com and Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network.

Those shortlisted in the SME Employer of the year category (1 to 249 employees) are apprenticeship exemplars, highlighting best practice across recruitment excellence, high-quality training practices, diversity and career progression. The firms named in the category alongside KC Communications include; Wakefield Council, Sheffield City Council, Anchor Hanover and Covance Laboratories Ltd.

Commenting on the shortlist, managing director Katrina Cliffe said: “Having begun my career as an apprentice I understand first hand the positive impact apprenticeships can have on an individual’s career prospects. To be the only micro-business shortlisted against some of Yorkshire’s biggest employers is no mean feat and I am extremely proud of the support that my whole team provides to people taking their first steps to their career.

Our former apprentices have gone on to do wonderful things, while those currently employed by KC Communications have brought in new knowledge and expertise which has enabled us to provide a greater offer to our client base and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them. ”

The National Apprenticeship Awards shortlist follows the announcement that the firm has also been shortlisted in the National Graduate Recruitment Awards following a nomination by the University of Huddersfield.

The National Apprenticeship Awards will take place virtually on Monday 2nd November at 2pm. To attend, visit https://events.weareumi.co.uk/yorkshire-and-the-humber-regional-apprenticeship-awards-2020/guest-registration/Site/Regist