Companies praised for training schemes

A travel company has been awarded best internship company for undergraduates in Britain by The National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) at an award ceremony held on 6 April.

TUI Travel whose brands include Thomson and First Choice Holidays won the top prize while other companies that were recognized for their programs ranged from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to the BBC.

Rachel McAneny, trading assistant for TUI UK and Ireland said: “We believe we provide an exceptional experience for our students, offering a well-planned approach, exciting opportunities and a supportive environment, so its fantastic to receive recognition."

The council’s awards criteria are based on the best placement opportunities offered so as to ease students transition between university and the job market. 

Heather Collier, director of the NCWE said, “An internship will add invaluable experience to any CV and increase chances of future employment."

The NCWE also took nominations from students for the category of 'Best Work Experience Provider' with the winner being Lockheed Martin UK who was put forward by a student from the University of Surrey.

The company that designs military equipment and technology offers year-long placements with competitive salaries which are designed to give undergraduates real responsibilities in order to equip them for their future career.

Centrica, the energy company, won for its short-term placements with Barclays Capital being 'Highly Commended' in the same category.

According to their website, Centrica’s annual ten-week summer program for students in the penultimate year of further education is designed to give “a practice run at taking the first step from university to the world of work”. 

The Barclays Capital program offers multiple internships of variable lengths so that as many students as possible can benefit from the experience.