Newcastle-based, Apex Radio is a prime example of an employer who has invested in apprenticeships and subsequently reaped the benefits for their business.
Established in 1990, Apex’s business is in the hire and sale of two-way radios and associated communications equipment. The company has built up a prestigious reputation throughout the country with many of Britain’s blue chip companies as clients.
Access MD Malcolm Armstrong sat in on a recent meeting between Apex General Manager Ian Curry, apprentice Chelsea Cawthorn and Skills Adviser Lorraine Robinson and had this to say: “I observed a recent review meeting as part of our quality assurance measures and I have to say that while I was there mainly to check on the level of service we provide, I was actually knocked out by the enthusiasm Ian and his staff showed towards the apprenticeship programme.
“Apex have obviously embraced ‘apprenticeships’ and have used them to help formalise their recruitment and training processes. The support they offer to their apprentices is exceptional.”
Apex first began working with Access in 2006 with learners following Business Administration apprenticeships and since then has recruited and supported a further 10 learners to achieve apprenticeships; several of whom have gone on to complete Advanced Apprenticeships in occupational areas including Business Administration, Customer Service and Accounts.
The most recent recruits, Jordan Stacey (20) from Gateshead and Andrew Findley also 20 from Newcastle are both working towards an apprenticeship in Customer Service, working in the Customer Service department and have been with the company since February this year. Both are doing extremely well and are well on target to achieve their qualifications.
Joe Clarkson who began an AAT Accounts apprenticeship in 2008, progressing onto an Advanced Apprenticeship has already contributed towards significant savings within the company by developing new processes which have improved efficiency in the finance department.
In addition to supporting their own apprentices Apex have also done a fantastic job in supporting the Young Apprentice programme for 14-16 year olds by providing high quality placements and work experience opportunities to pupils from seveval Gateshead Schools.
Ian Curry, the General Manager at Apex commented: “We have grown quite rapidly in the last few years. Over a third of our current staff are apprentices or former apprentices, so we have Access to thank for helping with our growth.
“We firmly believe in investing in the training and development of young people via the apprenticeship route as it enables us to develop new staff in accordance with our own practices and we reap the benefits of having fresh new talent joining the company.
“Access has provided brilliant support and training for our apprentices and Lorraine Robinson as our main contact has been an excellent role model for our new staff and has been extremely responsive in ensuring our needs have been met at all times.”
l-r Chelsea Cawthorn, Joe Clarkson, Iain Curry, Michelle Klitzke, Lorraine Robinson.
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More than just a training provider…
Gateshead-based Access Training provides upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, business administration, learning & skills teaching, and fire, emergency & security systems.
We have been delivering training programmes for businesses and individuals across the North East for over 40 years. We have a genuine interest in the success of the companies we work with and the people we train, and we aim to provide a personal, bespoke service.