Member Article

The future is bright for apprentices

Three apprentices who secured placements at a growing North East digital agency as part of National Apprenticeship Week in 2012 are now on the road to success after becoming employed permanently by the company.

Gateshead-based AYO Digital, which doubled its workforce last year, was impressed with Jason Nixon, Amy Chambers and Sarah Denholm who all joined the firm via the Gateshead Council apprenticeship scheme, has offered young workers full-time contracts.

Rob Mathieson, managing director at AYO Digital, said: “We have been thrilled with the performances of all three apprentices over the past year. Taking them on permanently was simply the right, natural thing to do. They all bring a fresh perspective to AYO and their enthusiasm in their respective roles is very encouraging.

“We are encouraging phenomenal growth at present and Jason, Amy and Sarah have all been instrumental in helping the business develop and expand.

“I’m a firm believer in National Apprenticeship Week and urge more companies to engage with the scheme. We are looking to recruit more apprentices over the next couple of months through the Gateshead Council.”

On her appointment as a web developer, 21-year-old, Amy Chambers said: “I’m over the moon to be offered a permanent role at AYO Digital. I love working with the team here, there’s such a friendly atmosphere and working at the incredible Northern Design Centre is amazing.

“I’ve learnt so much over the past year, not just in web development but in teamwork, office skills, how to network and work well under pressure. I can’t wait to push myself further as the company and my role progresses.

Amy continued: “I’d say the highlight of my career so far was meeting

Prince Andrew, Duke of York when he visited our offices last summer, it was such an honour.“

Sarah Denholm, 20, who has a BTEC National Diploma is thrilled at her project management appointment, she is now working on becoming fully PRINCE2 certified and has high ambitions both for herself and the company as a whole.

19-year-old, Jason Nixon, who also has a BTEC National Diploma in IT, is now a systems administrator across a number of global sites and wishes his success at AYO Digital to continue.

Gateshead’s Cabinet member for Skills and Employment, Councillor Malcolm Graham, said: “This is obviously tremendous news for the three young people involved. I share their elation in securing full-time employment at a time when many people of their age are struggling to find their own niche in the workplace.

“Their success also demonstrates the value of our apprenticeship scheme to local business. AYO Digital has secured three well-trained, well-integrated and experienced workers who can all add real value to their company. The business advantage this will give AYO will be considerable.”

AYO Digital has worked with many high-profile clients including the British Olympic BMX Team, BUPA Great North Run, Gentoo Group and Renault. It specialises in delivering tailored business solutions coupled with creative design for web and mobile devices.

Established in 2008 by its young directors Rob Mathieson, Tony Olanipekun and Kevin Reece, AYO Digital now works with numerous SMEs and large organisations nationally, across a number of sectors including manufacturing, automotive, property and retail.

For more information and job opportunities visit: www.ayodigital.co.uk

And follow AYO Digital at: www.twitter.com/ayomedia

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie Balmer .