Friends land same apprenticeship at leading digital agency

Two friends have navigated the route back to work together after winning a full-time apprenticeship scheme at a leading digital agency.

Nicola Booth and Daniel Jackson, both 23, have been friends for 10 years since they met during their school days at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe.

Previously unemployed, were awarded a full-time Apprenticeship scheme at HPM Group, based on Aycliffe Business Park, in partnership with Leeds College.

HPM moved to Aycliffe from Bishop Auckland in 2000 and has since grown into a £4.5m-a-year multi-media agency with 45 members of staff.

The integrated marketing communications company is built on a heritage of print services and offers marketing, creative and digital communications creating an online presence, PR and event management services.

Nicola is now looking after all small runs, managing HPM’s digital print operation, while Daniel is working as print finisher on the shop floor.

She said: “I’m really enjoying it.

“There’s a really good atmosphere around the place and I’m learning all of the time.”

Daniel, who has lived with Nicola for three years,said: “There’s a real community spirit on the shop floor, everyone is always willing to help and give advice and I feel like I’m picking something new up every single day.”

HPM has recently invested £450,000 on a Swiss-made perfect-bound printing machine and a further £50,000 on new Apple Macs for its studio as well as updating servers.

Managing director Richard Mortimer said: “Nicola and Daniel are in a fantastic environment to learn from the best - we have state-of-the-art technology, the most up-to-date printing machinery and a talented team of people to coach them.

“They’re enjoying their Apprenticeships and they’re turning out to be valuable members of our team, so it’s been a really positive move forward for the company.”