IT proved to be lucky for some as 13 young apprentices were hired by a major UK employer.
The Student Loans Company (SLC), Darlington, gave the Darlington College apprentices the opportunity to step onto the career ladder after learning the ropes of customer services and administrative work at its offices at Lingfield Point.
Apprentices also gained NVQ qualifications in business administration through Darlington College.
SLC team leader Tanya Greenall said: “This is the first time we have taken in a cohort of business and administration students from Darlington College and we are delighted to have been able to offer each one of them a full-time position following their successful apprenticeships.
“We were looking for young people with a good work ethic, who wanted to learn, work and study at the same time and who were willing and flexible.
“The standard of all the college apprentices was particularly high. They integrated into the company extremely well, produced a high standard of work and have all become very valuable members of our team.”
Alongside studying for their qualifications at college, the apprentices duties included mail handling, batching and scanning of loan applications, evidence returns, data entry and identity verification.
Amy Wilson, 19, of Darlington, said: “Working for the SLC really appealed to me. It is a large company in Darlington where I knew I could develop my career.
“Being an apprentice meant that I could learn in a real working environment, earning while I was learning and get my qualifications at the same time.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my apprenticeship and I’m delighted to have been offered a full-time job.”
The Student Loans Company is now looking to continue its work with Darlington College by recruiting a further intake of apprentices in December.
Business and administration course tutor Barbara Sturdy added: “This was a bespoke apprenticeship course that Darlington College developed and delivered in partnership with the SLC.
“We are extremely pleased that all of our apprentices have secured full-time positions and we look forward to working closely with the SLC again in the future.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.