NEARLY 150 employees from around the UK have received accolades from ARRIVA at a national achievement awards ceremony.

Now in its 9th year, ARRIVA's apprentice programme has seen hundreds of young people work towards and qualify for their NVQ apprenticeships.

The scheme - which ARRIVA has designed to enhance individual skills and encourage initiative - is unique as new starters are taken on as full time employees from their first day.

In addition to completion of apprenticeships, the range of awards included top and most improved apprentices, certificates of excellence, customer service NVQs and external qualifications.

This year's presentation differed as it was the first time that bus, rail and motor employees have been brought together - following ARRIVA's acquisition of rail franchises Northern Spirit and Merseyrail Electrics.

The event was attended by ARRIVA chief executive Bob Davies, who congratulated everyone receiving an award for their hard work and dedication.

ARRIVA human resource director Mark Saxton said: "At ARRIVA, our vision is that no matter what a person does or where they do it, they should have the opportunity to increase and enhance their capabilities to not only their individual benefit but also for the mutual benefit of their colleagues, shareholders and stakeholders with an interest in ARRIVA."

ARRIVA has been presented with a National Training Award for

Excellence in Modern Apprenticeships and has maintained a 93 per cent retention level and 100 per cent achievement level.

lARRIVA head office staff at Doxford Park who received a Certificate of Excellence were: Tania Morrison (for achieving her MBA), Vikki Pratt, Dianne Bilton, Sarah Porter, Susan Wilkinson and David Gee.

lBus operator ARRIVA North East employees who received their NVQ were: Robin Burns (level 3); Kenneth Walker, Sandra Barnes, Peter Richmond, Michael Young and Susan Clayton (level two).

lAnd David Petrie was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for Best Driver.

lCraig Caster, a parts apprentice at ARRIVA Vauxhall in Redcar, was presented with a Top Apprentice award, as was Craig McLaren, a vehicle paint technician with ARRIVA's BMW dealership, Preston Hall in Stockton