Bridgnorth-based Grainger & Worrall (www.gwcast.com), the machined-castings specialist, has won an international award in recognition of its commitment to UK industry and the engineers of the future.

The company held off strong competition to take the Apprenticeship Programme category at the Automotive Global Awards at a gala ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel.

The award recognises the company that has implemented the most comprehensive, exciting and beneficial apprenticeship programme.

It encompasses both the apprentices and those who train them and support their development.

Having taken on apprentices throughout its 72-year history, Grainger & Worrall is at the forefront of apprentice development — both locally and in the automotive sector.

The company led a consortium of like-minded business in raising £4.5 million of funding, culminating in the launch of the world-class Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology last year, where the initial technical apprentices are completing their first year of training.

The company has also taken on adult apprentices since 2014, and it continues to employ up to 10 new apprentices each year.