The Wallasey-based company was named as a North West finalist in the Medium Employer of the Year category.

Directors Bob and Carole McWilliams attended the awards event at Merseyside-based Haydock Park racecourse, along with 18-year-old LT Print apprentice Jodi-Beth Williams.

Bob McWilliams said: "We have taken on two apprentices in the past two years, and we have been recognised as a company that is committed to bringing young people into the workplace.

"We see taking on apprentices as an investment for the future, and when the economy gets back to normal, unlike some printers we will have the trained staff needed to take the business forward."

LT Print Group is a litho and digital printer that was founded more than 40 years ago.

It currently has two apprentices at LT Print, one at its Wallasey printing HQ studying administration and the other at its digital production facility in Birkenhead.

He said: "Alongside these learners, there are eight employees out of our workforce of 41 who started off at the business as apprentices over the course of the past 30 years and have stayed with us ever since – a record we are immensely proud of."

He said that apprenticeships were "a vital tool" in encouraging young people into work and training, especially with youth unemployment levels at a record high.

"We view employing apprentices as an essential part of developing a skilled workforce and growing our business," he added.