Land Rover is the latest company to receive a commitment certificate in recognition of the company's commitment to skills development through apprenticeships.

Together, Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin form Ford's Premier Automotive Group, which took direct control of the dealer technician apprenticeship programme six months ago.

Since then, the group has significantly expanded the programme to more than 430 apprentices, joining the 19,000 apprentices in the motor industry.

Chris Banks, chairman of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) who made the presentation said: "Land Rover is an excellent example to employers both in the automotive sector and the wider business community of a company that is directly benefiting from apprenticeships."

Stuart Clift, director of service operations, Jaguar & Land Rover said it was "truly rewarding" to receive recognition for their scheme.

"Jaguar and Land Rover have long been advocates of apprenticeship schemes and believe that by offering well structured programmes of continuous learning we will attract, retain and motivate young people and be seen as an employer of choice."

Later this year the LSC will reward employers across the country, who are successfully using apprenticeships to improve business performance, at the National Apprenticeship Awards on June 16 at the Hilton, Park Lane, London.