Member Article

You’re Hired at Newcastle Business Village

A North Tyneside business community is investing in the future by facilitating the coaching and development of a team of young apprentices.

Benton based, Newcastle Business Village provides flexible business space and support for local growing businesses by offering fully serviced offices, workshops and light industrial space in a variety of combinations to suit their customers’ needs. Now, they are also encouraging businesses who use their managed space to look to the future by appointing apprentices.

In total, there are now 12 apprentices based at the Business Village representing seven companies in disciplines such as warehousing, administration, telecommunications and print management.

Leading by example, the Business Village themselves have their own apprentice; 19 year old Angela Richardson from Heaton who is working towards an NVQ Level Two in Business Admin.

The ex-Heaton Manor School pupil was delighted to learn vital vocational skills from her mentors at the Village.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Angela. “I’m learning general reception duties, telephone skills and business administration. It’s a warm and friendly place and I’m gaining valuable skills that will help me throughout my career.”

MD of Newcastle Business Village, Mark Reed believes that young talent should be nurtured and captured early.

“Apprenticeship programmes such as ours are an essential way of harnessing young talent and transferring work skills to the younger generation. This in turn will help safeguard businesses into the future. We are delighted to support the scheme and already we are seeing the benefits of having enthusiastic and motivated youngsters around the Business Village.”

Another of the apprentices, Nathan Forward from Battle Hill, Wallsend who is working with print management company FPM Ltd said, ““I was unemployed for four months and was worried about my future. Now, I’m learning new skills and getting real qualifications. This has been a fantastic experience for me and I would encourage others to apply for any similar opportunities in the future too.”

The apprenticeship programme is being managed by Gateshead based Access Training and Managing Director Malcolm Armstrong said: “As the only training provider in Tyne and Wear to achieve the Training Quality Standard, we pride ourselves on being responsive to business needs. We are pleased to have helped so many companies at the Business Village take on apprentices.”

The Business Village is holding a free event to raise awareness about apprenticeships and what funding is available to help businesses grow. The event on Thursday 3rdMay will run from 12 noon to 3pm. Guest speakers include Bill Henderson and Karen Watson from Jobcentre Plus and Chris Seabourne from the National Apprenticeship Service More info from 0191 270 5100

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .