CILEx named Bedford’s Outstanding Employer

17 February 2015

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), which is based in Kempston, has won Bedford College’s Outstanding Employer of the Year Award in recognition of the opportunities they give to young people in the borough to enable them onto the career ladder as apprentices.

CILEx has been recruiting apprentices for a number of years, helping local people into the workplace and into a career of their choice. As an Apprenticeship Employer Ambassador, CILEx actively shares best practice with other employers, as well as promoting apprenticeships in local schools.

Janet Bishop (pictured), human resources manager at CILEx said: “We have been recruiting apprentices since 2011 and so far have employed 10. Taking on apprentices mirrors CILEx’s ‘earn as you learn’ style qualifications; we not only employ apprentices but are the awarding body for Legal Services Apprenticeships, allowing someone to become a lawyer without going to university.”

She continued: “To be named as an Outstanding Employer not only celebrates our work as Apprentice Ambassadors but also recognises the excellent work our line managers do in mentoring and coaching our apprentices, together with the learning and development opportunities given to all our staff.”

Gina Bubbins, sales manager at Bedford College said: “The CILEx apprentices are given real work and real responsibilities and have provided many new ideas that CILEx has benefitted from.”

CILEx will be presented with the award at the Apprentice Graduation Ceremony to be held at the Corn Exchange on Thursday, 5 March. Kathryn Jack, a former apprentice who is now a full-time member of staff at CILEx, will be addressing the audience of 500 about her time as an apprentice.

On Thursday, 12 March at 6.30pm CILEx are hosting an MP candidate debate at their headquarters in Kempston focusing on apprenticeships. The candidates who represent the four main political parties for Bedford and Kempston will sit on the panel and face questions from the audience regarding skills for young people and apprenticeships in the constituency. The event is suitable for business leaders, education leaders, careers advisors and apprentices. Tickets to attend are free but guests must register in advance. For tickets visit: http://cilex-questiontime.eventbrite.co.uk/ or email: [email protected] or call: 01234 841000.

ENDS