Published at 13:42, Thursday, 01 March 2012

TWO Whitehaven teenagers have been praised by a national education charity for taking part in local apprenticeships.

Rhiann Hiddleston and Lewis Bowes were recognised by the charity, Rathbones, for learning new skills and each completing a Level 2 Business Apprenticeship.

Mirehouse based Rhiann, 17, gained her qualification while working as a weighbridge clerk with Workington based, Waste Recycling.

While 18-year-old Lewis gained his qualification through his training at the reception at Valley Primary School.

National spokesperson for Rathbone Peter Gibson said: “Lewis and Rhiann have been really canny. At this time when they have so many potential employees to choose from, bosses are looking for employees who are ready to work. Anyone taking someone like Lewis or Rhiann on – will be very fortunate indeed!

He added: “The current climate is the perfect one for hiring apprentices and any employer who takes one can grow their own employee who statistics show will stay loyal for longer.”

From its base in Workington, Rathbone runs a variety of courses for unemployed youngsters, including a new programme called Access to Apprenticeships which prepares trainees for work-based learning.

Rhiann says she completed her GCSEs at Whitehaven School and decided to continue her studies through Rathbones rather than go to university.

She said: “It’s really hard to get a job and going to university doesn’t lead to employment. I wanted to earn while I learned.”

Her recent apprenticeship has involved recording the weight of waste carried in and out of the busy site as well as doing other office duties.

Rhiann, who wants to be an office manager says: “Work makes you confident as you have to deal with people. On an apprenticeship you progress and get a good CV.”Her tutor Helen Heron added: “Being a weighbridge clerk is a complicated job, yet Rhiann took to it straight away. We are immensely proud of her achievements.”

Former St Benedict’s High School student, Lewis says the skills he has gained will be useful in any office role.

He said: “I gained a lot of skills. It’s a busy school with 280 children and I learned a lot more than I would have at college.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk