http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Apprenticeships-lit-way-success/story-16217464-detail/story.html

Apprenticeships lit the way to success

JAMES Barrett has been so impressed with the success of his apprentices, he’d like to take on some more. The managing director of Sterling Assist Ltd has two apprentices at the firm’s head office in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

While Tom Lee, 19, is nearing the end of his apprenticeship, Ashley Hallam, 18, is just starting out on his.

The pair play a big part in the day-to-day running of the firm’s office.

And Mr Barrett would certainly consider bringing more apprentices in once they have finished their courses.

He said: “They have been a fantastic success for us. I’ve been really pleased with the progress they have made. They play a really important part with our firm.

“I would certainly consider taking more apprentices on in the future. They are a great way of training staff.”

Mr Barrett added: “Having an apprentice means you can train staff up to the standard you expect.”

The company installs alarm systems in businesses and homes across the county.

The Post is seeking other firms in the city and county to follow their lead and take on apprentices as part of our Get Notts Working campaign.

Having initially set out to find 100 apprentice posts in 100 days, we are now targeting 200 by the end of the allotted time on June 28.

Mr Barrett said his firm is committed to the development of young people. He added: “We want to develop our staff and train them fully with the intention they can have a career with us. We aren’t a firm who thinks apprenticeships are about cheap labour for a couple of years and letting people go.

“Our apprentices are guaranteed a job at the end of their course.

“It is a great way of training our staff and improving the work chances of young people in the area.”

Apprentice Ashley Hallam, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, is doing an NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship in business and administration, overseen by training company Positive Outcomes.

He said: “I get involved in lots of different things like paperwork, which is great.

“This is the first job I have had since leaving school. It is great to know I have the prospect of a job at the end of it.

“Once I have finished doing the Level 2 NVQ I hope to go on and do a Level 3.”

Paul Champion
www.paulchampionuk.com
www.apprenticeshipblog.com

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