Partner Article

Partnership nurtures Tees Valley talent

Eight young people from the North East will gain qualifications and the chance of permanent jobs thanks to a partnership between the North East Chamber of Commerce and the University of Teesside.

The candidates, aged between 16 and 24, started a 12-month programme at the university last week, working towards a Business Administration Apprenticeship level two qualification.

Peter Jefferson, the university’s deputy director of human resources, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the university to introduce and nurture the talents of the Tees Valley in business administration skills. We are looking at apprenticeships in this area initially, but we may expand into other skill areas in the future.”

NECC shortlisted 20 candidates before eight final apprentices were selected by the university.

Kelly Al-Sundukchi, regional manager, business and professional sector with NECC, said: “The candidates will get 12 months’ experience of working with an established organisation learning valuable skills throughout that time as well having the opportunity to apply for roles within the university during the last three months of their apprenticeship.

“From an employer’s point of view, they get the opportunity to take a person into their working environment and train them up to fit in with their company ethos at the same time as the apprentices achieving national industry certificates and qualifications.”

The new recruits are just eight of 1,500 apprentices which NECC helps at any one time. NECC also works with employers who want to put forward existing staff to undergo further training.

After nine months, the candidates will be allowed to apply for full-time positions within the university and progress to further qualifications. When they finish the scheme, they will also have a NVQ in business administration level two, a technical certificate in business administration level two and certificates in application of number and key skills.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .