Helen is first recruit on district council apprentice scheme (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Helen is first recruit on district council apprentice scheme

10:00am Sunday 7th October 2012 in News By William Tomaney

A Kidderminster College business student has become the first apprentice to be hired on a grant scheme launched by Wyre Forest District Council.

Helen Tovey, 21, is working in the office at lifting specialists Vacuum and Crane Ltd at Wilden Lane Industrial Estate, Stourport.

She also attends Kidderminster College every Wednesday, working towards her business administration leveltwo diploma.

Ms Tovey said: “It is great to be able to use my own initiative and bring my business administration skills into practice.

“I amlearning all aboutthe business of lifting and installing glazing and cladding.I am very happy to have this opportunity.”

Annabel Young, sales andmarketing director for Vacuum and Crane, said the apprentice scheme had been the “ideal solution”

for the business.

“We are delighted with Helen and what she brings to our business. She has already shown she is quick to learn and mature in her approach to work.

“Without the grant scheme, we would have thought twice about taking anyone else on.”

The apprentice scheme has been made available to Wyre Forest companies who are willing to take on a resident of the district as an apprentice under the national apprenticeships programme. They can get up to £5,000 of support from the district councilto cover the cost of employment.

District council leader, Conservative John Campion, said: “It is great to see Helen in her new role which shows how the scheme is working in practice. “The council is committed to helping Wyre Forest businesses employ local residents as part of the wider economic development and regeneration programme. This scheme is a practical and helpful way to supportthat.