
We are delighted to announce that Canford has won Sunderland College’s SME Employer of the Year Award. This prestigious award highlights our ongoing commitment to apprenticeship programmes and to developing future talent within the Northeast.
We have always welcomed apprentices into the business and, as you know, our CEO, Alan Wilson, started life at Canford as an apprentice in Purchasing. Throughout our history we’ve had more than 50 apprentices through our doors including 8 in the past 3 years and it’s incredible to look around as see how many past and present apprentices we have throughout the business.

Our nomination came from our account manager, James Cooney, for our strong partnership with Sunderland College. Over the years, we’ve built a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, ensuring that we remain a responsive and supportive employer. Our approach prioritises high-quality training, mentorship, and career development opportunities. Our apprenticeship programmes cover various disciplines, including Sales, Supply Chain, Engineering, Health & Safety, and Business Administration, reflecting our commitment to developing a skilled and diverse workforce.

We are incredibly proud of the impact our apprenticeships have made, and we are as dedicated as ever to developing new talent. Supporting apprentices is a key pillar of our future strategy, ensuring that Canford continues to invest in the next generation of industry professionals.