A Derbyshire communications firm is encouraging other local businesses to take on an apprentice, after National Apprenticeship Week encouraged them to take the plunge.

Ilkeston based Nexsis Communications who offer a raft of services including business telephone systems, business data networks, and business mobiles, were encouraged to take on an apprentice after National Apprenticeship Week, which took place from the 7th-11th February, showed them the big business benefits.

Managing Director, Leon Braisby, said: "We have officially begun the hunt for our very first apprentice after hearing about the huge benefits for businesses such as ourselves. Taking on an apprentice means that you can get an enthusiastic new member of staff who is keen to learn and who you can easily mould from day one of their employment contract.

"We are now looking to take on an apprentice when we move into our new offices on Park Road in Ilkeston next month. We are looking for someone aged between 16-24 who would be interested in learning the art of sales, being fully trained on the IT and voice data side of things, in addition to spending time both in the office and out on the road.

"It is possible to secure funding for an apprentice to help with the costs of training them, which makes taking someone on extremely cost effective. Investing in the training of our next generation of workers is key to sustainable economic growth."

Margaret Warren, Marketing and Communications Manager for The National Apprenticeship Service in the Midlands said: "Apprenticeships provide real, measurable business benefits for employers such as Nexsis Comms. They bring productive, enthusiastic and loyal people into your organisation and demonstrate your commitment to investing in your people to customers and suppliers."