Centrica wins work experience crown

Centrica has beaten more than 200 organisations to be crowned overall winner and Best Work Placement Provider 2009 at the annual National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) Awards.

The company competed with businesses from all sectors and sizes. Centrica won against BP and Barclayís Capital in the ëover 250 employees short-term placementí category. Cancer Research UK was awarded highly commended in the same category. Centrica then went on to win the overall title for demonstrating an exceptional placement scheme.

The winners were announced at an award ceremony at Merchant Taylorsí Hall in London on 5 March 2009, where broadcaster Laurie Taylor gave a speech. He comments: îAt a time when dramatic changes are occurring in the world of work it is more important than ever that undergraduates have a chance to appreciate the way that world functions. Work experience provides that vital opportunity.î

Heather Collier, Director of the NCWE comments: ìCentricaís nomination demonstrated what a top-quality scheme should look like. With personal development, fun, quality and variety all part of the mix, it was a winning combination. Centrica is a shining example and model of best practice for others to follow.î

Yvonne Crew, Senior Graduate Recruitment Manager at Centrica commented: ìWe are thrilled to have won and been recognised for our commitment to providing quality experiences for our students. Our placement scheme has grown over the last three years and we will continue to develop and expand the programme. We hope that it will support us in our mission to attract and recruit some of the best young talent around.î

The judging panel included representatives from the National Association of Student Employment Services, a Work Placement Project Officer and two placement providers. Microsoft, the Financial Services Authority and Lockheed Martin were also among the award winners.

Now in their sixth year, the NCWE Awards received the largest number of entrants to date from SME and blue chip organisations as well as across the public, private and charitable sectors. They are the only awards to recognise and reward employers providing quality undergraduate work experience.

This year sponsors were Changeboard, AGR, GlaxoSmithKline, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Centrica, Futuretrack and the National Work Placement Exhibition.