Member Article

Ambitious apprentice learns vital skills from law firm

A 17 year old from Fenham, Newcastle, has accepted an apprenticeship with one of the city’s law firms to further his ambitious career plans.

Samuel Phillips Law Firm has appointed Hader Ali through Newcastle City Learning’s apprenticeship scheme. Hader sees the role as a valuable stepping stone towards his ambition of running his own IT support business. He said: “To run my own business successfully, I need a strong background in business administration. By working with Samuel Phillips Law Firm, I’m learning more than I could have expected. No two days are the same, and I’m building the skillset I need for my career, as well as skills for life.”

Hader had previously completed the Microsoft IT Academy programme with the Zenos Academy, after completing his GCSEs at All Saints College. He will now work with Samuel Phillips Law Firm for 12 months, during which time he will complete an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.

David Laud, chief executive of Samuel Phillips Law Firm, was impressed by Hader at the first meeting. He commented: “Hader is already proving a quick learner and an asset to this company. At the interview, he was on time and smartly dressed which always creates a good impression. However, he had not only thought about his appearance, he had determined what he wanted from a role with Samuel Phillips too. He had also researched our company and was confident about the benefits he could bring to us.

“Apprenticeships are a valuable route into any work environment, and Hader knows to achieve his ambitions he needs to develop first class business administration skills. He opted to work with our law firm to get invaluable experience in this area.

Through the Apprenticeship Plus scheme, Newcastle City Learning, part of Newcastle City Council, has managed salary subsidies to enable SMEs to recruit apprentices, to help reduce the number of 16 to 18 years olds not in employment education or training (NEET) in the Newcastle area. The scheme is available to small and medium sized Newcastle-based businesses, and having originally aimed to place 20 apprentices, the scheme has already secured placements for 32 apprentices.

Elaine Withycombe, Employment and Skills Coordinator with Newcastle City Learning, liaises with Newcastle businesses interested in employing an apprentice, and is also involved in the pre-screeningof the potential apprentices. She commented: “It is wonderful to find the ideal placement for both the apprentice and the business. Hader was eloquent, and smart, and clear about the skills he wished to learn. Six weeks on, he is thriving in his workplace apprenticeship. Apprenticeships have clear benefits for both the business and the young person, as well as benefits for our wider community as we help our young people take steps towards their own future.”

For more information about Newcastle City Learning’s apprenticeships, please email newcastlecitylearning@newcastle.gov.uk or call 0191 298 6966.

Samuel Phillips Law Firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services to business and private clients. For any further information, please see www.samuelphillips.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Hignett, i2i Business Solutions .