Apprentice accounts for his success
In just five years, Joe Charley worked his way up from being a teenage apprentice within a small business in Telford to running its accounts.
Joe, 23, from Kingswinford, applied for an apprenticeship with ‘Magiboards’, a company based in Stafford Park, Telford which manufactures whiteboards and noticeboards.
Joe said: “The apprenticeship was fantastic. I learnt a lot of things in my first year alongside my qualifications at college. During my apprenticeship, I mainly worked on reconciliations and credit control. I started at the bottom and worked my way up.”
In addition to his accountancy work, Joe helped set up the company’s IT system and now also deals with insurance.
His boss, ‘Magiboards’ Director Angela van der Stap, said: “As with all apprentices, if they come in with the right attitude, are willing to learn and want to get on, then the company is in the ideal position to help them get to where they want to be and build on their strengths.”
Reflecting on his apprenticeship experience, Joe said: “You don’t have to have a university degree to get to where you want to be.
“On-the-job experience is a very useful component to have on your CV for a job interview. If I were going for an accountancy interview, they might ask me ‘Have you any history of accounts office work dealing with financial problems first-hand?’ Experience is vital and provides you with an ever-increasing skillset. This doesn’t just benefit yourself, but also your employer.”
He added: “The five years have flown by. I have taken on more responsibility and now I am managing a member of staff in credit control. I think management will be the next step for me.”
Councillor Gilly Reynolds, cabinet member for education, employment and regeneration said: “This shows how successful apprenticeships can be. Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to increasing the number of apprentices within the borough. As part of that drive, we are now offering grants to small businesses. The grant would enable the employer to take-on an apprentice. It would provide the individual with a step-up into a new career whilst also helping grow the small business employing them.”
The Telford Job Box Apprenticeship grant is part of the Council’s youth unemployment programme to help young people find work and tackle previously high levels of unemployment in the area.
If you are a small business looking to employ an apprentice, The Enterprise Telford Team operating from The Marches Growth Hub, Telford and Wrekin and a Skills Specialist can support you through the whole process. Application forms and further details can be obtained by emailing apprenticeshipgrant@telford.gov.uk, or calling 01952 567 589
Enterprise Telford is Telford & Wrekin Council's 'business winning, business supporting' campaign. Through the Marches Growth Hub, we offer enterprises of all sectors and sizes a single point of access to information, guidance and business support.
For further information about Magiboards visit http://www.magiboards.com/
