For introducing over 1,500 new IT professionals to the sector through its Microsoft apprenticeships; 80% of Microsoft’s apprenticeship programmes; QA was awarded ‘Special commendation’ as UK Partner of the Year.
This is the first time a Special Commendation has been awarded by the technology firm.
This accolade represents further success for QA's pioneering programme which in both 2012 and 2013 won Apprenticeship Programme of the Year from the Learning & Performance Institute for its responsiveness to the real needs of UK businesses and contribution to the lives of young people.
Janet Gibbons, Partner Strategy and Programme Director for Microsoft UK comments:
"We are really pleased to be able to award QA with a Special Commendation in the category of UK Partner of the Year at our Worldwide Partner Conference awards. It recognises QA's commitment and innovation in helping deliver Microsoft's partner apprenticeship scheme, setting the foundations for a programme which is now enjoying huge UK-wide success.
"To train, certify and place 1,500 young Microsoft IT professionals into jobs within the UK economy is an incredible achievement."
The success of QA's Apprenticeship programme also received worldwide recognition of excellence and innovation as a Partner of the Year Award Finalist at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Awards. In reaching 2013's final shortlist, QA stood out from more than 3,000 entrants from 100 countries.
John Roskill, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Group, commented:
"As a finalist, QA demonstrated significant customer impact, innovation, speed-to-market and utilisation of advanced features in Microsoft technologies over the last year. They join a group of influential and inspiring leaders."