Member Article

Apprentice success at Life

Having won an apprenticeship at the Centre for Life, one of the world’s most innovative and pioneering science villages, 24 year old Michael Hodges has now secured a permanent role with the company, and a personal congratulations from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who visited the Centre today (28 August 2012).

Deputy PM, Nick Clegg, was in Newcastle to meet with business leaders and meet members of the public during a Question & Answer session held at the Centre for Life. During the session Mr Clegg touched on the importance and value of vocational qualifications and apprentice schemes and how the government was working hand in hand with scores of Further and Technical colleges to create opportunities. He stressed that University was not the only acceptable route to a chosen career when answering questions about University fees.

“It was fantastic to visit Life” said Nick Clegg “to see what it has to offer and meet apprentices like Michael. He is a credit to the work that goes on. I’m extremely impressed with how an organisation such as this can not only combine fun for the family, but also cutting edge technology, science and learning”.

“Young people especially need to know they are being supported and are gaining the qualifications and specialist skills that will help them go onto fulfil successful careers. I am delighted that a centre such as this one is able to run schemes for people like Michael. And his enthusiasm and dedication just goes to show how good, and how important it is.”
Michael, from Slaley, near Hexham, a former Queen Elizabeth High School pupil, joined Life in September last year to work with the marketing department on a Business Administration Apprenticeship with Newcastle College. His positive attitude and commitment was soon evident, impressing management who have now offered him a permanent position.

Michael is now Marketing Assistant at Life and will work closely with the marketing team to implement campaigns and with assisting in updating the Centre’s website and its social media platforms. He will also continue to develop his skills through study at Newcastle College which worked with Life to facilitate Michael’s apprenticeship.

Julia Hankin, Head of Marketing at Life, said: “Apprenticeships offer an important alternative route into training and employment for people off all ages. We’re delighted that Michael’s apprenticeship has gone so well – he’s a great addition to the team. He settled in very quickly, showing enthusiasm and creativity – essential skills in any marketing role. We’re very keen to help him to continue to develop his skills and hope that this is the start of a long and rewarding career for him.”

Commenting on his role, Michael said: “I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity. The prospect of finding a job with career potential in this difficult economic climate was looking unlikely but through the apprenticeship scheme here at Life, I have been given a brilliant opportunity. I’m looking forward to the future”.

On meeting the Deputy PM, Michael commented: “Nick Clegg said that he was very impressed with the way businesses in the UK were embracing apprenticeships as an effective way for them to expand and create opportunities for local people.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vicky Pepys .