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TGt Meets... Stuart Dea

In our series of 'TGt Meets' with employers of apprentices, we spoke to Stuart Dea of Big Apple Solutions

1. Why did you choose to take on an Apprentice?

With workload increasing I required someone to help with the in house repairs. With myself being on the road most of the time it was crucial that the workshop continued to function as before, I myself started as a workshop engineer 18 years ago and it’s a good foot into the industry. Giving a young person a chance like I had just seemed the natural choice.

2. How did you go about finding an Apprentice to bring in to your business?

After speaking with the National Apprentiship Service I was able to get all the tools I needed to recruit a candidate, it took less than two weeks to find Steven our Apprentice.

3. What are the benefits of employing an Apprentice?

The great thing about employing an apprentice is that we are able to train them ourselves and help them develop both technical and business skills, there is also a grant available to employers to help with their future development after 13 weeks.

4. What are the advantages of bringing in an Apprentice, over more conventional employment methods?

As a small business things like recruitment fess can be difficult to swallow. With the apprentiship scheme there are no fees!

5. What role does your apprentice play in the day-to-day operation of your business?

Steven is a trainee engineer. He works in the office performing general workshop adminsitaration duties, upgrading machines, carrying out workshop repairs and also provides basic telephone and remote support.

6. Were there any challenges you faced employing an Apprentice?

None. The process was really straight forward.

7. How did the training your Apprentice received fit around their responsibilities in your business?

Training is ongoing but on a daily basis he is learning new skills along side the time he spends at college.

8. What happened once the Apprenticeship had finished?

Once the apprentiship has finished, Steven will be able to go on and complete Level 3 of his qualification which will run for another 12 months. After this we will look to have him soley running the workshop operations.

9. What was it like working alongside the Apprenticeship provider?

Great – they offer lots of support to you and the apprentice.

10. What advice would you give another business that is interested in employing an Apprentice?

Go for it, give a young person a chance I am sure you wont be disappointed!

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