Member Article

Siemens boss calls on North East ...

One of the North East’s leading business figures has revealed he started his career as an apprentice – and is calling on other companies to give young people the same opportunity he had.

Des Young, Service Director at Hebburn-based engineering and technology giant Siemens, left school at 16 and credits his career success to the on-the-job training and experience he gained during his apprenticeship at engineering firm Reyrolle.

Now, in support of National Apprenticeship Week (March 11-15), he is joining South Tyneside Council in urging employers throughout the borough to help young people gain vital experience and qualifications.

“When I was 16 we weren’t exactly rolling in money and, although I considered staying at school with a view to eventually reading law, I was keen to get out into the world and get a job,” he said, “so I looked for an apprenticeship.

“As a result, by the time many of my school contemporaries were leaving university, I was in my first management position and had travelled the world with the company’s sales and tendering department.

“Becoming an apprentice doesn’t mean shutting the door on qualifications, either. When my apprenticeship was over I was able to study for a management degree and, later, I went on to get the law degree I’d always wanted.”

Siemens expects to recruit around 100 apprentices in the UK this year - a third of those in the North East - and Des believes they are likely to become among the company’s most valued employees.

“Apprentices bring a new dynamic to a company,” he said. “They ask questions and bring a new perspective and we also find them to be very loyal and dedicated. …mf

“They are without a doubt one of our company’s biggest assets.”

In support of National Apprentice Week – designed to raise awareness of the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the economy - the council last year launched a scheme to help recruit 200 apprentices by March 2014 and is already more than half way to reaching its target.

“Des has seen both sides of the apprenticeship system,” said Leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Iain Malcolm, “and his success speaks for itself.

“Apprenticeships not only provide opportunities for young people, but provide businesses with a keen and dedicated workforce which, as Des has shown, is a real asset.”

Businesses interested in finding out more about apprenticeships can contact Sarah James at the South Tyneside Council Economic Growth Team on 0191 4247396 or at sarah.james@southtyneside.gov.uk.

Alternatively, anyone interested in becoming an apprentice should contact Geoff Scott at the council’s Adult and Community Learning department on 0191 4246488 or geoff.scott@southtyneside.gov.uk.

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