Our business has been in Milton Keynes for 37 years, a town which continues to innovate and grow thanks to its vibrant business community built over the last 55 years. For young people there are many different opportunities to build the strong foundations for a successful career, as well as an opportunity for a great work/life balance.
Attracting and retaining talented young people is currently a challenge for many businesses and apprenticeships offers a route for them to get a foot on the first rung of the career ladder and beyond and are also a way for businesses to attract and retain talent.
We’ve been speaking with businesses across Milton Keynes and some of their local apprentices about what they enjoy about their apprenticeships here in Milton Keynes and their hopes for the future.
Maintaining infrastructure
Alfie Steadman, aged 20, The Clancy Group
“My school history wasn’t the best. I got kicked out of school in Year 10 and I went to a behaviour school and that’s when I started getting my hands on learning – from bricklaying to carpentry and I thought I could see myself doing something like this for the rest of my life. I heard about this apprenticeship course thought I would go for it and here I am now after a year and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
Young sports heroes
Charlie Waller aged 16 and Joel Anchor aged 17, MK Dons
“We both joined the MK Dons football apprenticeship scheme after year 11 (GCSEs) but have been involved with academy level football. This two-year apprenticeship gives us a Level 3 BTech and we can extend this with further learning and a diploma. This will enable us to gain extra UCAS points and keeps options open in the future if we decide to go to university, or to continue the route to becoming a professional footballer.”
Heating homes and businesses
Archie Goodman aged 19, Plumbing & Gas Solutions Ltd
“Initially I wasn’t confident in my own hands-on abilities, but I knew I had other strengths which would help me to learn quickly and progress. I enjoy working alongside fellow engineers and the ability to watch and learn as well as benefiting from their years of experience, hints, and tips is vital, something which can only happen whilst out on the job.”
Supporting businesses to success
Jack Pinchin, aged 19 Mercer & Hole
“I wanted to become a qualified accountant faster and to both learn and work. When I looked around at firms offering apprenticeships, Mercer & Hole really stood out in the marketplace, so I only applied to them. The work environment was very different from school but people here really took the time to support me, which was great.”
Future entrepreneurs
Phil Fenn, Audit and Business Advisory Partner at Mercer & Hole comments:
“It’s important that all businesses invest in training and developing the next generation, not just for their own businesses, but also for the wider success of our local economy. We need to improve awareness to young people here in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas that there are a fantastic range of training schemes available that offer solid progression into their first job and beyond. I did not go to University and they also need to know that University isn’t the only option. With the right training, many of these young people will have the ability to become the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future, which would be of terrific benefit to them and the local community.”
Find out more about Mercer & Hole or call 01908 605552.
