HYGIENE firm SCA is one of the best companies in England for apprenticeships, according to a new industry list.

The Swedish-owned firm, which has a paper mill in Rossendale, was highlighted as one of the country’s top employers for training young people by the National Apprenticeship Service.

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The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers study, compiled in partnership with skills gurus at City and Guilds, commended SCA’s efforts to recruit trainees.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is among those who have welcomed the publication of the list.

SCA, which stands for Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (Swedish Cellulose Company) employs seven apprentices at Stubbins Vale Mill, in Stubbins Vale Road, Stubbins.

Nationally the firm, which specialises in tissue paper, nappies and sustainable packaging, has 60 young apprentices among its 1,800-strong workforce.

The Stubbins mill produces tissue products for customers across the UK. Site manager John Kirwin said: “The investment we’ve made in our apprenticeship programme is an integral part of our long-term approach to inspiring and training young people to become the engineering leaders of tomorrow.

“The programme has made a significant contribution to the development of our workforce and we are delighted it has received such national recognition.”

Four of the firm’s seven Rossendale trainees only started their apprenticeship in September this year, with the company hoping they will attain ‘the skills that industry needs for tomorrow’.

Its products are sold in more than 100 countries and used by brands including Bodyform, Plenty, Velvet and Cushelle.

Mr Clegg said: “I would encourage more businesses across England to follow these shining examples and find out how apprenticeships can help them build a skilled, motivated and highly qualified workforce.”

The 85-year-old company, Europe’s largest private forest owner, has around 44,000 employees worldwide and recorded sales totalling €10.7billion in 2013.

An SCA spokeswoman said many of the firm’s leading staff had started out as apprentices.

She added: “In a performance-driven company like SCA, properly skilled employees are essential for us to achieve outstanding results. Our apprenticeships and training schemes are an important part of our careers program.

“We have a dedicated Facebook page, take part in recruitment fairs, collaborate with schools, and have factory open days to showcase the career opportunities we offer young people.”