WARRINGTON-based lettings franchise company Hamlet Homes has presented special achievement awards to its young apprentices.

The company, based on Crosfield Street, presented Apprentice of the Year to 18-year-old Kerim Topcu and Top Performing Apprentice to 21-year-old Luke Henderson.

Hamlet Homes has been working with Positive Outcomes, one of the top ten training providers in the country, to recruit young people. Positive Outcomes offers dedicated Estate Agency apprenticeships in addition to Customer Service, Business Administration, IT, Retail, Warehousing & Storage and Sales qualifications.

Gurprit Johal, co-proprietor of Hamlet Homes, said: “The government’s apprenticeship scheme has allowed us to give these young people an opportunity to gain hands-on business experience and work towards a nationally accredited qualification.

“All of our apprentices have shown a passion for property and I can see already that they will have a shining future in the industry.

“We are delighted to have presented Luke and Kerim with these awards, for their hard work and dedication to their training. We hope they set a shining example for other young people who we take on as apprentices.”

At a time when unemployment among young people remains high, Hamlet Homes Franchise has taken the decision to employ as many apprentices as possible, and the firm puts these young people at the heart of its business.

Mr Johal added: “This company has very far-reaching expansion plans, so we need people on board who share our high level of ambition.

“These young people are integral to the future of the company. As each apprentice becomes fully qualified, we will encourage them to open additional Hamlet Homes branches.

“It’s a great way to achieve organic growth, and our service standards aren’t compromised by expansion, because these guys live and breathe customer service.”