Apprenticeships have benefits for everyone

Telecoms provider, Cavendish Communications, has taken on three apprentices through Sussex Downs College’s apprenticeship scheme. Holly Rowsell, 18, (engineering), Chantelle Perrault, 17, and Michael Parris, 19, (both sales), joined the flourishing company in November 2015. Mark Hollands, sales manager at Cavendish, said, “We decided to bring in a young generation of enthusiastic and passionate individuals to create a vibrant and exciting team. “With all of our staff under one roof, we offer a wholly supportive learning environment for anyone looking to gain an all-round experience of the industry, and we wanted to give young people in our surrounding community this chance.” For Holly, the apprenticeship route was a logical one. She said, “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in ICT, and I looked into apprenticeships after receiving careers advice. I have always found learning hands-on works best for me and this apprenticeship ticked all the boxes.” Mark worked closely with the business development team at Sussex Downs College in hiring the apprentices, from initial meetings and advertising the posts, through to the interviews. Mark added, “We have felt supported every step of the way. We have regular visits from the college and the service received by the company and our apprentices has been outstanding.” Alongside working at Cavendish Communications, the apprentices complete coursework, working closely with college tutors. Chantelle said, “Sussex Downs College has provided me with a great opportunity. “The teachers have been informative, supportive and professional.” It’s not just the apprentices who are benefitting from the scheme, with a positive impact evident on all the members of staff. Mark added, “The levels of energy and enthusiasm around the office are significantly higher. The apprentices’ thirst for knowledge and ability to learn quickly are two of their greatest assets.” Michael Parris urges anyone looking to further their career to consider an apprenticeship, He said, “The apprenticeship scheme offered me the perfect chance to get the experience and qualification I need to launch my career in sales. Seriously consider an apprenticeship; it gets you working in your chosen industry with companies who want both experience and qualifications from their employees.” With National Apprenticeship Week on the horizon in March, Sussex Downs College hopes to hear from any businesses that would like to work with the college to take on apprentices. Interested companies should call Rose Miller on 030 300 39474 or email rosemary.miller@sussexdowns.ac.uk. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.