Partner Article

Cheshire youngsters urged to earn as they learn

A Warrington company with a track record of nurturing young talent through apprenticeships is urging school leavers to consider earning while they learn as an alternative to university.

Optionis, a workforce management and business support specialist, employs more than 150 members of staff at its head office on Centre Park.

The company already has more than 20 apprentices working across its three brands – Parasol, ClearSky and Silverline – and is now looking to take on even more trainees.

Apprenticeship opportunities are currently available in several departments including accounts, credit control, sales ledger, contracts administration and expenses.

Optionis trainees work towards recognised academic qualifications during their first 12 months with the group, with the opportunity to secure permanent contracts once they complete their apprenticeship.

Councillor Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, hailed the Optionis apprenticeship scheme as a shining example of investment in youth and local talent.

He said: “It’s great to see a major employer such as Optionis offering young people in and around Warrington the chance to prove themselves.

“I’m a firm believer in the ability of apprenticeships to enhance the skills, confidence and employability of youngsters faced with a competitive jobs market.

“The opportunity to earn while you learn is proving attractive for a growing number of young people, particularly given the cost of attending university.

“All credit to Optionis for giving today’s youngsters an alternative to the traditional higher-education route.”

Jessica Cooper, who joined Optionis as an accounts apprentice six months ago, recently won the employee-of-the-quarter award and was named the company’s ‘Summer Standout’.

Her commendation states that Jessica “constantly surpasses targets” and has become a “vital link” in the company’s dealings with clients.

Bosses praised the quality and accuracy of Jessica’s work, and her ability to come up with new ideas.

Jessica said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Optionis so far, and winning the award was absolutely amazing.

“I enjoy what I do and feel like I’m learning a lot about the world of work. As apprentices we have been looked after really well and made to feel at home.

“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to other people.”

New research by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has found that 54% of young people in the UK would opt to undertake an apprenticeship if one were available to them.

Meanwhile, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has predicted that a record number of young people will apply to become an apprentice this year.

Optionis managing director Derek Kelly said: “The apprentices we have recruited thus far have proved an invaluable asset to the group, and we’re excited to be taking on even more.

“We’re hopeful that the opportunity to secure a permanent contract upon successful completion of a training contract will prove attractive to would-be apprentices.

“Indeed, all of the apprentices we have taken on have been offered full-time jobs once their apprenticeship has ended.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .