Manchester technology business UKFast was proud to receive HRH Princess Anne as a guest at its campus today during a royal visit to the city.
The Princess Royal, who takes a keen interest in training and development within UK businesses, visited UKFast after the firm was honoured with a prestigious Princess Royal Training Award in 2018.
The tech firm was recognised with the award for continuous outstanding dedication to bridging the digital skills gap and encouraging ongoing professional development, particularly through its apprenticeship programme.
The royal visitor met a number of UKFast’s staff, including apprentices, teachers and senior management, and learned more about their contribution to the firm’s work in training and education.
During the tour of UKFast Campus in Hulme, founders Lawrence and Gail Jones explained the firm’s recent growth, its commitment to developing talent in house through apprenticeships and its contribution to the community.
The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith, the High Sherriff of Greater Manchester Mark Adlestone and the Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr June Hitchen were also in attendance.
UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones said: “We are all incredibly proud of this accolade and that the Princess Royal has chosen to visit our campus. It’s a huge honour that only makes us more determined to continue to invest in the personal development of our team.
“Training and education play a hugely important role in the growth of our business. We’ve learned that the opportunity to grow and develop is the single biggest factor that motivates people in their careers. Our apprenticeship scheme is testament to this and many of the apprentices that came through our programme are now running departments and looking after important parts of our network.”
Current and former apprentices make up 18% of UKFast’s workforce and the firm invests heavily into training and education, employing four full-time teachers and operating a state-of-the-art training centre accredited by both Pearson Vue and Red Hat. The firm works closely with City & Guilds to deliver its apprenticeship scheme.
UKFast has developed educational partnerships as part of its mission to promote innovation and reach out to a new generation of digital superstars. Working with 60 schools and colleges, reaching 60,000 young people in Greater Manchester, UKFast’s team make more than 100 school visits a year.