A leading Cumbrian business is vowing to take on more apprentices and is encouraging other firms to follow its lead in hiring talented trainees.
Kitchen and joinery suppliers Andersons says it has a long term aim to use apprentices to develop a committed workforce.
Andersons, which has showrooms in Carlisle and Barrow, plus Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Stranraer, supplies a range of kitchens, appliances, doors, flooring and timber.
The company has been singing the praises of its apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until February 13.
Daniel Blenkinsopp, 18, is one of three apprentices at Andersons, and is in the first year of an 18-month long business administration apprenticeship level three run by Carlisle College.
He studies one day a week at the college while spending the rest of his time at the company.
“At the moment I am getting to look around lots of different departments and just get a feel for what I like best before I can hopefully move into that section,” he said.
“I have been in marketing and accounts and sales as well, which I am enjoying a lot.”
Daniel says an apprenticeship is a good option for people who, like him, do not want to follow the university route.
“I wanted to get into a business and start from the bottom up and prove myself,” he said.
“Uni wasn’t for me and I was looking for an opportunity to gain some experience and earn some money and learn a bit more as well. It is really valuable to be able to learn about business and then put those lessons to direct practical use.
“It’s been a great experience so far and everyone has been really supportive.”
Daniel joined the firm in September. It also employs two warehouse apprentices.
“Daniel has shone through and is really doing well and everyone has got great things to say about him,” said director Chris Carr.
“Taking on apprentices is helping us to find really talented, motivated people who are keen to work. We’re looking for young people who really want to build long-term careers and are enthusiastic to take their first steps without any preconceptions.”
Chris says his experience with apprentices has been so positive the business will definitely look at taking on more in the future.
“I’d definitely encourage other businesses to consider employing apprentices,” he said.
