RPL announced as finalist in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards 2025

TELFORD, 7 August 2025 – Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) has been announced as a finalist in the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards 2025, in association with Shropshire Business Live TV (SBLTV).

Following its debut launch in 2024, the now-annual event celebrates the brightest apprentices in the area, as well as recognising employers for their support of apprenticeship programmes.

Alongside Housing Plus Group and SJ Roberts Homes Ltd, RPL has been shortlisted in the 'Large Employer' category, sponsored by Shrewsbury Colleges Group.

RPL was shortlisted for demonstrating its long-term commitment to developing apprenticeships and training opportunities, positive wider impacts on business success and workforce development, in addition to helping strengthen the local, regional and UK manufacturing sector.

Click here to find out more about RPL’s Apprenticeship Programme.

RPL’s Learning and Development Officer, Claire Shepherd, commented: “This fantastic team-effort achievement is testament to all our apprentices who work so hard every day, showcasing their passion, winning spirit, and desire to learn – plus, our team of supportive mentors who dedicate their time (alongside their day-to-day jobs) to develop our apprentices through on-the-job coaching, training, and experience.”

“It is a pleasure to work with our apprentices – who are the future talent of Ricoh – helping them to grow, develop and succeed.”

She added: “Our apprenticeship programme has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years, and I look forward to continually improving our programme for our apprentices and our business.”

Winners will be announced at an awards event at Mercure Telford Centre Hotel on the evening of 2 October 2025. Tickets can be purchased on the dedicated STWAA website.

Finalists in the individual categories come from all corners of the county. Categories include construction and civil engineering, health and social care, engineering and manufacturing, IT and digital industries, early years and education, creative and media, and business legal and finance.

Carl Jones from SBLTV, who is compering the event, said: “The quality and volume of entries once again surpassed all expectations, and the judges faced a very difficult task narrowing down each category to three finalists – let alone choosing their winners.

“We’re delighted with the response to the awards in this second year and are now really looking forward to another fantastic awards evening.

“It’s going to be a fabulous celebration of the brightest and best apprentices in the county, as well as the businesses which go the extra mile to support the next generation of skilled staff.”