Member Article

Teenager earns his stripes at Zebra

A teenage apprentice from Gateshead has been taken on as a full-time employee at leading IT solutions firm Zebra Internet Services.

18-year old Reece Storey has successfully completed his year-long apprenticeship as business administrator at Newcastle-based Zebra and has secured his place in supporting the company to create and develop solutions for thousands of businesses across the UK and the rest of the world.

Since finding the opportunity through ITEC North East Ltd, Reece has completed his NVQ level 2 in business administration and is now on his way to accomplishing level 3, with a long term goal to work in HR at the firm.

Reece has been guided through his apprenticeship with one-to-one mentoring support by company managing director Annabel Cornish, who also acts as a business mentor to other SMEs in the region.

Storey said: “As any 18-year-old knows, it is extremely tough to secure a full-time job in today’s economic climate and I feel incredibly lucky. Not only have I now secured a permanent position but I have been able to gain qualifications simultaneously.

“I have massive respect for Annabel, I have learnt so much from her and despite her seniority she has so much time for me and I really look up to her as my role model. I want to become a big part of the business and the Zebra team is made up of people with different backgrounds and complementary core skills, so I know I am learning from the best in the industry.”

As well as general support to the technical team his role includes credit control, ordering stationery supplies, mailing, banking, invoicing and finance support and filing.

Managing director Annabel Cornish said: “As well as giving solid advice on issues from domain hosting to how businesses can grow with a better online presence, part of our work ethic is to help bring on new talent and create an inspiring place to work.

“We are dedicated to supporting young people in the region who are interested in our industry and with Reece we have certainly found a star. He is an incredible help and has certainly earned his Zebra stripes, which is why it was an easy decision to take him on as a full-time member of our team. I’m sure he will continue to grow and develop with us.”

Zebra.co.uk provides SEO and online reputation management, website hosting, bespoke development and data centre services to businesses in the North East, across the UK and the rest of the world. Its unique and fresh thinking approach aims to make businesses stand out from the crowd. Clients include Premier Foods, The Eaga Trust and MWA.

http://www.zebra.co.uk/

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