A LEADING Warrington company is taking on 30 more apprentices, taking its total to 75.

Optionis Group, based at Centre Park, is seeking apprentices to work in its accounts and business administration departments.

Managing director Derek Kelly said: “We’re looking for bright, ambitious, hard-working individuals who want the chance to earn while they learn and build a career.

“The vast majority of our trainees go on to secure a permanent position when their apprenticeship comes to an end, so there are real progression opportunities.

“We are currently seeking government approval to establish our own NVQ accreditation for our apprentices, given the quality and depth of training they receive.”

Optionis was recently named as one of the top 100 employers of apprentices in England.

The accolade came after it was highly commended in the newcomer employer of the year category at the regional finals of the 2014 National Apprenticeship Awards.

Warrington South MP David Mowat, Warrington Borough Council leader Terry O’Neill and Steve Park of Warrington & Co have all praised the scheme.

The group’s apprentices work towards recognised academic qualifications, undergo regular assessments and are expected to contribute to hitting their department’s overall targets.

Beth Monks, Optionis' apprentice of the year 2014, who secured a permanent role in the firm’s human resources (HR) department, said: “This is a great place to work."

“Everyone is really friendly, there is a relaxed atmosphere and you feel like part of a team. I would recommend an apprenticeship here to anyone.”

The Optionis Group is home to three companies; Parasol, ClearSky Contractor Accounting and ClearSky Business. Together, they provide support to tens of thousands of freelancers, contractors, small businesses and recruitment firms every year.

In addition to its two offices on Centre Park, Optionis has offices in London, Middleton in Greater Manchester, and Poole and Dorchester in Dorset. The group employs more than 300 office-based staff in total.