Pictured: Donna Clayton is shown the way by PPDG Employment
Coach Nichola Davis
Employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media are all
being encouraged to get involved in National Apprenticeship
Week.
The week long campaign aims to promote apprenticeships as a way
of engaging with job seekers whilst highlighting the range of
opportunities available in gaining new practical skills within the
workplace.
Last year saw a 50% increase in new apprenticeship including
Donna Clayton from Sedgely who has recently benefitted from the
government backed initiative. The 22-year-old is now in her second
month as an apprentice at the King Street offices of employment and
training specialists Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) based
in Dudley.
Although she had worked from the age of 16, Donna found herself
struggling with health issues and had to take a year off in order
to recover before being handed a fresh start.
"I like the concept of an apprenticeship and I'm certainly
enjoying my new role," said Miss Clayton. "This way I can pick up
the qualifications I require for an administration job whilst
earning a wage.
"At the moment I am completing Numeracy and Literacy Level 3
through Learndirect courses and I intend to follow these with
customer service and business administration. Gaining valuable and
practical experience and studying at the same time is the best
possible grounding for accumulating business expertise.
"I became particularly depressed when I was not be able to work,
however, I'm right on track now taking every opportunity to improve
to learn and my job prospects."
The bubbly youngster has already made a big impression with her
colleagues.
Andy Guest, PPDG Dudley site manager said: "I first met Donna
when she came in as one of our clients looking for a job. She
always appeared to be a very positive, friendly and motivated
person, just the person who fits in extremely well as one of the
team. We're all delighted she is now one of our team.
"Since starting her apprenticeship in January Donna's work ethic
and enthusiasm has to be commended. She is a fantastic ambassador
for our Dudley centre and a great role model for other young
people."
The company has taken on 60 new apprentices across the business
in a variety of roles since the beginning of the year.
*There were 442,700 apprenticeship starts in the academic year
2010-11 compared with 279,000 the previous year.
For more information about Pertemps People Development Group,
please visit their website here: www.ppdg.co.uk