Member Article

Apprentice is just what the doctor ordered

County Durham businesses are being asked to take advantage of £2,500 cash incentives to take on Apprentices.

A joint scheme between Durham County Council and the National Apprenticeship Service is offering incentives of £2,500 to employers with less than 250 staff looking to take on an apprentice for the first time.

Dr Fletcher’s Surgery in Great Lumley took Nicola Garden, an 18-year-old from Bournmoor, on as a Business Administration apprentice over a year ago and is delighted with her work.

Elizabeth Simpson, practice manager, said: “We have been so impressed with Nicola as she is enthusiastic, helpful and very customer focused.

“Nicola works well with staff as well as doctors and recently proved a valuable asset helping staff when we had a new IT system installed. We would highly recommend taking on an apprentice to anyone.”

Nicola added: “Getting the apprenticeship has changed my life. I’m studying for a qualification, getting really valuable work experience and being paid.”

The Chester-le-Street Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Chester-le-Street Area Action Partnership, Cllr Keith Davison’s Neighbourhood Budget and the National Apprenticeship Service with the aim of creating 15 apprenticeships a year.

Durham County Council’s Employability Team can arrange £2,500 in incentives to small and medium enterprises (with less than 250 employees) in Chester-le-Street that can create employment opportunities.

To find our more, contact them on 03000 262009.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .