Member Article

Apprentices shine at global craft business

Durham-based craft specialist Crafter’s Companion has taken on another apprentice following the success of several apprentices that were recruited last year.

Paige Marie Todd-Archbold, 18, from Shildon joins the fast-growing company as a Business Admin Apprentice and will be mentored by former apprentice Sam Davison who has shone since arriving in 2013.

The young new recruit will be involved in processing orders and payments from the company’s online retail store to help ensure products are distributed to its customer base across the UK and Europe.

Crafter’s Companion is run by multi-award winning North-East entrepreneur Sara Davies, who is a major supporter of apprenticeship schemes in the region. The business now employs over 60 people across its County Durham headquarters and its US operation in California.

Sara said: “We have first hand experience of how beneficial apprenticeships are and also the value that youngsters like Sam and Paige can bring to an established business like ours.

“For us, we have found the key is to give apprentices a real opportunity to grow in a role and go beyond just the basics. When given the chance to use their own initiative and go beyond the boundaries, we have seen our apprentices really thrive.

“We are delighted to have Paige join our team and to also see Sam performing so well. Under Sam’s guidance, Paige will no doubt be another star at Crafter’s Companion.”

Paige recently completed her GCSEs at Bishop Auckland College college as well as holding down part-time jobs. She was alerted to the vacancy with Crafter’s Companion after seeing it advertised on the national apprenticeship website.

She said: “I was attracted to Crafter’s Companion as I was aware of the company’s positive history with apprentices. In addition, the position being offered was exactly the type of role I was looking for so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“Already, I have enjoyed getting to know new people in different departments of the business. Being involved in product training has given me an insight into the types of goods I am inputting into the system so I now know what is been talked about product wise.

“During my time here, I hope to complete my Level 2 Business Admin Apprenticeship and hopefully progress onto Level 3 Business Admin.”

Crafter’s Companion’s specialises in the manufacture and distribution of crafting tools along with its own brand goods. Its products are sold online via its website, via TV shopping channels across the world and through independent retail shops in the UK and Europe.

For further information, visit www.crafterscompaniontrade.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .