Cornish independent chartered accountancy firm, Lang Bennetts, has been shortlisted in the SME Apprentice Employer of the Year category of the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards for the second year.

Last year Lang Bennetts’ apprentice, Kate Cooke, scooped both the Accountancy Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year Winner of Winners Awards.

Lang Bennetts, which has offices in Falmouth and Truro, is committed to the apprenticeship scheme, having taken on five apprentices in the last three years. Two started this September, one is part way through an apprenticeship and the first two have completed their apprenticeship but stayed with the firm to continue their professional training.

Georgie Holbrook, business development and training advisor at Truro College, said: “Truro and Penwith College is proud to be working with Lang Bennetts as they are a prime example of an employer who is committed to investing in students to support them in progressing both personally and professionally throughout their apprenticeship journey.

“As the training advisor supporting students at Lang Bennetts, it is always clear on my visits that students are being fully supported and encouraged to take on new challenges. Lang Bennetts also endeavours to utilise every individual’s skills and support them to specialise in areas best suited to them. The benefits of that support speaks for itself with Kate winning Apprentice of the Year last year and their Employer of the Year nomination this year.”

Helen Hood, a partner at Lang Bennetts, said: “We pride ourselves on offering a top quality service and, as the largest independent accountancy in the county, we are committed to supporting our community. Taking on apprentices and keeping local talent in Cornwall is a great way of achieving that. It also benefits us as a firm and, most importantly, our clients in many different ways.”