A NATIONAL IT specialist has declared its ambition to be the largest employer of apprentices in Yorkshire after opening an apprentice sales academy at its newly-extended Bradford office.

CCS Media has had a presence in Bradford for 16 years and is responsible for spearheading the company's apprentice scheme. “The aim is to be the region's largest apprentice employer offering the most advanced career program” said Kiel Townend, General Manager of the Bradford office.

The aim is to increase staffing at the Bradford office to at least 150 employees and take on 40 new apprentices a year.

Mr Townend added: "The sales academy gives us the capacity to grow further, giving individuals a great opportunity to learn, develop new skills and pursue career paths though continuous education, such as MBA's in order to enter key roles within CCS Media."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Abid Hussain opened the Sales Academy. Also present were Labour MP Naz Shah, Michael Jameson, Strategic Director of Children's Services (Bradford), Mick Chandsoor from Bradford Pathways and Simon Hewitson from Leeds Apprentice Hub.

Mr Townend said: "Furthermore, the partnership that we have with the Lord Mayor and our local MP, in conjunction with public services is key to our long term success and the joint benefit we will hold for the Bradford economy."