Halesowen-based chartered accountants E R Grove & Co is helping two young trainees get their first step on the career ladder after taking them on as its first-ever apprentices.
The government has been heavily promoting apprenticeships in recent months with an advertising campaign fronted by top businessman and star of television’s The Apprentice Sir Alan Sugar. It aims to ensure every suitably-qualified young person has the right to an apprenticeship by 2013.
At E R Grove, Daniel Turton, 17, and Rachel Hickman, 19, joined last year from Halesowen College, where they are continuing their studies on a day-release basis, and have quickly become a valued part of the team.
Director Steve Lomas said: “This was something we hadn’t done before because we didn’t really know about it but when we got in touch with the college they put some really good candidates forward to us.
“They’ve been with us six months, and have just been fantastic – and they’ve been quick to take on more responsibility and work directly with clients.
“We’ve really enjoyed having them here and are confident both of them have great careers ahead of them in the industry. Our apprentices are much better than some of the candidates that sit in front of Sir Alan.”
Daniel added: “So far, doing the apprenticeship here has been great – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and it fits in very well with what I do on my course.
“It’s confirmed that accountancy is what I want to do for a career, and hopefully I’ll get the chance to continue with it and eventually move into management accounting.”
