Member Article

Apprenticeship Provider Recruits ‘Next Generation’

A TRAINING and apprenticeship provider has given four young people a foot on the ladder to their future careers.

Profound Group, on Peterlee Business Park, recently launched a recruitment drive for 19 apprentices with a number of local employers.

And as part of the scheme, bosses at the company have taken on four school and college leavers as apprentices to front its new Customer Relations department.

Kallum Fisher, Demi Leigh Din, Josh Lincoln, and Louise O’Hare – who are all from the East Durham area – are now settling in to their new positions.

Profound bosses are delighted with their progress and professionalism so far.

Stephen Fergus, Team Leader at Profound Group, said: “We are so pleased with the progress and confidence they have shown so far.

“As Team Manager I have been given the opportunity to pass on my own skills and knowledge to develop the team and the next generation of staff at Profound Group.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to recruit and develop ambitious, well-motivated individuals.”

He added: “The company value apprenticeships and believe the department and recruitment shows we are practicing what we preach, as it is a great example of how apprentices can add value to any business and are an excellent opportunity for young people in the area.”

Kallum, 16, who lives in Horden, Louise, 17, and Josh, 18, both from Peterlee, and Demi, 17, of Haswell, are responsible for the running of the Customer Services section, which includes building professional relationships with customers, engaging both with businesses and learners, updating systems, and fielding calls.

The fab four are all completing a Level 2 Customer Service qualification while learning on the job.

Louise decided to go down the apprenticeship route after completing her first year of A-Levels at college.

She said: “It wasn’t for me. I wanted to start earning while building experience, so an apprenticeship was a great option for me.”

Josh had been to college and worked full-time before joining Profound.

“After going through College and working full time, I felt like I needed a change of direction to progress further in my career,” he said. “The apprenticeship with Profound Group is giving me the opportunity to experience a new sector while gaining a qualification.”

The youngest of the group, Kallum, had his heart set on an apprenticeship after leaving school in June this year.

He said: “I knew that an apprenticeship was what I wanted to do. I wanted to take a practical route and gain skills as well as a qualification because that’s what employers look for.”

Demi echoed her new colleagues’ views, adding: “The apprenticeship allows me to earn a wage while I am learning new skills and gaining a qualification, this was the right option for me to start building a career.”

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Apprenticeships are thriving in England, and it’s not hard to see why.

“They offer ambitious young people unrivalled career prospects and personal development opportunities.

“Apprentices earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a nationally recognised qualification and a bright future.”

Profound bosses have also employed 25-year-old Luke Barnes, from Easington, who is working full-time as a business development adviser alongside the apprentices.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Profound Group .