Gateshead student fast-tracks his way to employment

A 16-year-old Gateshead student who wanted to continue his education and benefit from an income at the same time has secured a new apprenticeship, just weeks after attending an event held to promote apprenticeships in the region and help people into work.

In August, Rhys Walker attended ‘Which Way Now’, an event organised by the Gateshead Collective - with support from Gateshead Council - to promote apprenticeship programmes and offer advice and support to those looking to weigh up their options and consider alternative routes into employment.

Just four days after attending the event, Rhys had been interviewed and shortlisted by training provider Access Training, he had attended an interview with the employer and was offered the job. He started his Intermediate Storage and Warehousing Apprenticeship at Team Valley-based Park Electrical at the beginning of September, just two and a half weeks after making his initial enquiry.

Malcolm Armstrong, managing director at Access Training, said: “The speed at which Rhys secured his apprenticeship goes to show how simple the process is. At Access Training, we have seen many more examples of people walking into a new job in a matter of weeks.

“Because there is no lengthy recruitment and selection process, apprenticeships are a popular choice among young people like Rhys who are keen to continue their education and earn an income.”

Chris Riley, manager at Park Electrical’s Team Valley branch, added: “This is the second time we have turned to Access Training to help us fill a vacancy for a new apprentice. Within a matter of days, we had three interviews lined up, and just a couple of weeks later we had filled the vacancy and Rhys had started work.

“As an employer, we benefit from high quality applicants who have already been interviewed and shortlisted by Access Training, but more importantly we get people who are willing to learn about the role from scratch, building up their skills as they go.

“We have always supported apprenticeships and have many employees who started out on an apprenticeship programme and who are now in long-term employment having taken advantage of opportunities for career progression.”

Rhys was also the lucky winner of a prize draw at the ‘Which Way Now’ event to win an iPad, which he was presented with by Malcolm Armstrong, MD at Access Training.

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