Judges at the Skills for Business awards praised Pennine Telecom for its 'sustained commitment' to staff as they presented two trophies to the Bury-based data and telecommunications specialist.
The company's Ben Howarth fought off stiff competition to be named Apprentice of the Year while Pennine itself was presented with the Manufacturing & Engineering Skills for Business award.
The awards, which reached their climax last night at a ceremony hosted by comic Justin Moorhouse, are designed to recognise Greater Manchester businesses who invest in the training and development of their staff as well as schools and learning providers who provide quality training and individuals who have excelled through developing their skills.
The independent judging panel recognised Pennine's 'sustained commitment' to employees and its 'Train & Retain' recruitment policy.
The group has seen turnover rise year-on-year by 25% and profitability by 27% .
"Judges chose Ben as the Apprentice of the Year due to the big impact he has had on the business at the age of just 22, with mobile sales increasing by 31% in 2014.
"Ben is also a successful Apprentice Ambassador, and works with Bury College and Pennine Telecom's HR Department in presenting a positive outlook on the Apprentice Programme. He has continuously grasped the challenges before him with both hands, which has driven sales for the company and proven him to be an outstanding member of the team."
As well as the two awards Pennine's pre-sales technical engineer Andy Goodman was also shortlisted for the Learning & Skills Champion title.
Ann Barnes, Pennine's HR & Business Support Manager said: "It's fantastic to see the commitment we have made to the development of our staff through 'Train & Retain' being championed by the Skills for Business judging team," she commented.
"We cherish such accolades although we never lose sight of the fact that it is the positive day-to-day impact upon of our personnel development programmes that mark us out as a winner in business."
Pictured: Ben Howarth receives his Apprentice of the Year award from Marie Gilluley, Chair of Greater Manchester Colleges Group, and Skills for Business awards host Justin Moorhouse.