Training fuels Michael's ambition to reach the top

Company director Ken Buckingham knew Michael Phillips was an ambitious character the first time they met.

For at his interview the 16-year-old school leaver had no hesitation in telling his potential boss he was aiming for his job.

"I found it rather funny," said business services director with Elementis Pigments in Birtley: "But the way Michael has progressed i would not be surprised if he made it."

Now two years on the 18-year-old from Pelaw has completed an apprenticeship in business administration and is hoping to go on to study a foundation degree.

With a decent set of GCSEs Michael decided that, although he wanted to continue to learn, he would rather do so in a work environment where he could also earn.

He enrolled with Durham Business Club which provided his training and found him the placement with Elementis - a company which makes pigments used in all kinds of manufacturing, from make-up to paving.

"Michael has become a real asset to this company," added Ken: "And the training he has received has really helped him make the best possible use of his skills. We would have no hesitation in supporting him to do more learning because the benefits to both him and the company are plain to see." "I knew I could achieve more but wanted to get out into the world of work and support myself a bit," said Michael: "It took me a few months to settle in and get to understand things but by then I knew this was something I could do well and I wanted to improve through training.

"Now, instead of photocopying and stuffing things in envelopes I'm looking after customers, processing orders, managing stock and dealing with imports and exports. It's varied and challenging but I love it."

Apprenticeships offer businesses training for existing staff and new recruits in a wide range of areas. There are over 160 different courses offering relevant training designed by business for business. Apprentices learn while they work, so their knowledge is up-to-date and because their training is on the job, the practical skills they gain are the ones that are right for business.

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