IDSL won the 2008 Energy and Utility Skills Business Skills Awards in recognition of its innovative programme in training and supporting apprentices - with an industry-leading success and retention rate of 93.5%. The Gas Industry Awards, sponsored by Energy & Utility Skills - the Sector Skills Council for the electricity, gas, waste management and water industries - recognises initiatives that have contributed towards business skills.

IDSL delivers NVQ Level 2 in Gas Installation & Maintenance, Plumbing Framework at Levels 2 and 3, Key Skills, the Train-to-Gain initiative and many other industry related courses. "We're working hard to respond to the needs of the industry and provide high quality training and great career prospects for young people," said a delighted Valerie Graham, Managing Director of IDSL. "The award demonstrates that we're succeeding in our aim to support E.ON in its strategy to change the future of energy."

The company's innovative NVQ Level 2 Plumbing or Gas Installation & Maintenance Young Apprenticeship programme gives young apprentices and employers an alternative to the traditional route where training normally takes up to two years, one day per week.