MORE apprentices are being taken on board by Transdev – which runs Keighley Bus Company.

The firm this year will be operating five apprenticeship programmes.

And to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, it spotlighted the achievements of some of its existing candidates.

Among them is Matthew Wallis, 20, an engineering apprentice.

He was highly commended in the Engineer of the Year category at the company’s annual Amazing Awards.

Also shining – on the road to a career in service delivery management – are David Umpleby and Lee Wardle, who are taking part in Transdev’s Step Up people development programme.

They will soon be embarking on a management apprenticeship programme with several colleagues, including Keighley Bus Station manager Phil Jolly.

Alex Hornby, Transdev’s chief executive officer, said: “We’re immensely proud of Matthew, David and Lee as they advance in their careers with us.

“Matthew has come on leaps and bounds in the relatively short time he’s been part of our engineering team.

“Meanwhile, David and Lee’s passion for delivering the highest quality service for our customers is clear for all to see. They and some of our other brightest talents will soon begin a management apprenticeship designed to grow their skills “We’re keen to support more of our people to achieve their potential with us – and so this year we’ll be running the five apprenticeship programmes. Each will focus on critical areas for the future of our business, including engineering, team management, information technology, human resources and customer service.

“As National Apprenticeship Week turns the spotlight onto the benefits of apprenticeships, now is the time for us to step-up our training and support to make sure we retain and develop the very best people in our competitive industry.”

Also celebrating National Apprenticeship Week was the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

A spokesman said: “We welcomed our first apprentice in 2015 and five years down the line, the traineeship programme has become an essential part of our approach to recruiting a regular intake of loyal, professionally-developed staff.”

Membership services apprentice Anita Watson is the latest addition to the team. She joined as a school leaver and is working towards a Level 3 business admin qualification.