Small Businesses Reaping the Benefits of Apprentices
A Wolverhampton soliciters practice is reaping the benefits of the government’s Apprenticeship scheme, with a new trainee proving that recruiting staff does not have to be an expensive business.
Fish & Co, based on the Cannock Road, has just taken on a Business Administration Apprentice through City of Wolverhampton College.
Owner David Fish was keen to expand his team but in the current economic climate was looking for a cost effective way of employing a new member of staff.
After seeking advice from Business Link, he was directed to the Apprenticeship programme and within just a few months Tabitha Hughes, a Legal Secretary student from City of Wolverhampton College, had been appointed.
Apprentices earn as they learn, gaining hands on experience while working towards nationally recognised qualifications. Training Apprentices is more cost effective than hiring skilled staff, leading to lower overall training and recruitment costs.
Mr Fish said: “For small businesses such as ourselves the Apprenticeship programme is ideal as it helps us keep our overheads down while also ensuring we have a member of staff with the skills we need.
“Practical experience is often more valuable than a paper qualification to employers, so the scheme really gives young people the opportunity to get on in the world.
Tabitha, aged 18, said: “I have always wanted to work in the legal field and was delighted to be offered an Apprenticeship so soon after finishing my college course.
“I am now working towards my NVQ in Business Admin as part of the programme, and am confident that the combination of a qualification and work experience will enable me to move on to do anything I want.”
To find out more about how the Apprenticeship scheme ring City of Wolverhampton College on 01902 317691.
