Three apprentices have been given the seal of approval after joining an expanding Coventry printing and mailing business.
Rebecca Thomas, Mitch Morris and Lucy Wallace have been recruited at Link Mailing in Binns Close, Tile Hill.
Twenty-year-old Rebecca, who lives in Eastern Green, has passed NVQ administration levels two and three while working at the company for the last three years looking after stock procurement, dealing with customers and compiling quotes.
She is aiming to complete her Higher National Certificate in business in November which includes studying at CWT Chamber Training one afternoon a week.
Mitch, aged 26 from Radford, has changed careers by re-training as a warehouse operative after previously being a carpenter for Coventry City Council.
He is now training as a printer using state-of-the-art machines at Link Mailing to print items ranging from business cards to leaflets and other varied print.
Lucy is the company’s latest apprentice, the 17-year-old from Allesley joined in July as an apprentice administrator which involves reception duties and day-to-day office work while she studies for an NVQ level two in administration.
Rebecca said young people should consider apprenticeships as it will give them the opportunity to work and study.
“I really enjoy my job and I wouldn’t have had this level of responsibility at my age if I had stayed in full-time education,” she said.
“It is great that I have secured a job with a company which has given me such support and high-level training and I would encourage other young people to think about apprenticeships.”
Deborah Donaldson, managing director of Link Mailing, said she was a real advocate of apprenticeships.
“There are plenty of young people who deserve a chance to show their talents and I have never regretted giving Rebecca, Mitch and Lucy their apprenticeships,” she said.
“They are all invaluable and are contributing to the success of Link Mailing which is going to grow following our acquisition of Print5 since we have extended the range of printing services that we now offer.
“I think it is also important to invest in our workforce and this shows we are committed to helping them develop.
“Rebecca was among the interview panel when we interviewed Lucy and she is now mentoring her because she knows exactly what is required and can help her every step of the way.
“Apprenticeships are a win-win situation for businesses and young people and I would encourage more companies to consider them.”