After developing a strong working relationship with Solihull College, financial services organisation Personal Touch is now reaping the benefits of an apprentice employed through the college’s Apprenticeship programme.
Personal Touch Financial Services (PTFS) is one of the largest well-managed financial services distribution companies in the UK. Based in Solihull, PTFS has a diversified product range including mortgage, investments, and pensions.
The company also provides ancillary compliance, training and marketing services to support the financial services community.
When the company heard about the Apprenticeship programme they thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.
They said: “PTFS has a long-standing relationship with Solihull College and we are actively involved in aspects such as NVQ training programmes and Job Fairs.
"We agreed to take part in the Apprenticeship Programme run by the College because it clearly benefits the apprentice and sits in line with the needs of the company itself.”
Seventeen-year-old Jack Pickersgill, currently on the Apprenticeship scheme at PTFS, said: “I joined Solihull College straight from school with nine GCSEs and a dream to become an accountant.
"The Apprenticeship programme gave me the chance to train and gain completely new experience until my course finishes in September. I keep in regular contact with the college as they come in every two weeks to review my progress.
“At the moment, I work in the Commissions Department and my role is to help the team make sure payments go through on time.
"It’s all completely new to me but it has reconfirmed my plan to work in the finance industry. After the course finishes I will need to look at further training opportunities either within Personal Touch or through other finance companies.”
A spokesman for PTFS added: “Throughout the apprenticeship, we have been impressed by Jack’s commitment and appreciation of the opportunity.
"The programme is allowing Jack to continue studying while gaining valuable work experience within an office environment and specifically within administration and finance. This will prove incredibly beneficial for Jack when looking to his future and other roles he may choose to pursue.
“From Personal Touch’s point of view, Jack is providing excellent support and benefiting the department in which he is currently working. All in all, the Apprenticeship is working well for both parties and we will continue to look at the Apprenticeship Scheme in the future.”
