Pictured:  Apprentices Katrina Smith and Deanna Page are welcomed to Pertemps People Development Group by employment coach Mark Hodgetts and (right) employer engagement director Nicki Lewis Downing

The future looks a lot brighter for 60 young people after they secured apprenticeships with a leading national employment and training specialist.

Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) has recruited the young people in a variety of apprenticeships nationwide in order for them to gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience.

The apprentices, aged 16 to 18, have already started work at centres in Harborne, Newtown, Chelmsley Wood, Cannock, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Smethwick, West Bromwich, Dudley, Coventry, Hereford and further afield. Each young person is being mentored by a PPDG employee.

PPDG's HR manager Juliet Mortiss said the company was committed to developing a talented workforce and welcomed the new apprentices to the business.

"The programme gives young people a chance to contribute in a real working environment, learning and applying their skills in a practical setting," she said. "In addition, there will be opportunities to attain recognised qualifications aligned to and recognised within today's workplace."

"This is the perfect opportunity for those young people who often struggle to get a foot on the employment ladder or those who prefer to follow a vocational rather than an academic pathway.

"Engaging with an apprenticeship scheme is a tremendous way for us to attract and nurture young talent," continues Juliet. "We have high hopes for those starting out on their career with us and I'm certain they will derive great benefit from their time here."

Employer engagement director Nicki Lewis-Downing has worked alongside HR and operational managers in order to maximize the potential for recruiting local job seekers through the scheme. And it's something that the company is keen to expand upon by offering the service to other businesses who may be keen to follow suit.

"We've identified an untapped pool of talented young people who simply need the opportunity to prove their capability in the workplace," said Nicki. "It's a beneficial way of developing your future workforce."

If your business is considering taking on an apprentice, Nicki would be keen to hear from you and can be reached on 07739 677220.

PPDG works in partnership with a number of organisations including: DWP, the Ministry of Justice and Jobcentre Plus to prepare local job seekers for a return to the workplace or training.

For more information about Pertemps People Development Group, please visit their website here: www.ppdg.co.uk