Andrew Wade’s recruitment career is on the right track since embarking on a Sales and Marketing Study Programme with St Helens Chamber.
Andrew is now an Apprentice Recruiter at GPW Recruitment in St Helens and his managers are very impressed with how well he has settled in to the business environment.
GPW recruited Andrew following his graduation from the Chamber’s Study Programme – an industry-led fast-track course designed to prepare students for the working world.
Andrew says: “I went to school and then college but and the Study Programme is very different. You’re treated like an adult and you’re expected to develop a positive attitude to work.
“Being in the Chamber every day, it’s like being at work and the tutors are brilliant at helping with the transition into the professional world.”
Andrew is currently completing an Apprenticeship in Business Administration at the company having graduated from the Study Programme this summer.
Keith Brady, Sales and Marketing Tutor, commented: “Andrew has really progressed since he joined the Study Programme. As the youngest in the group he’s come on leaps and bounds in terms of maturity and confidence.”
“Recruitment is a tough industry and the Sales and Marketing Study Programme equipped him with the skills to be able to thrive. He’s developed the resilience and determination to stick it out and there’s plenty of opportunity for him to progress at GPW Recruitment.”
Through a full-time curriculum of study, combined with practical work experience, industry projects and study trips, the Study Programmes are designed to hone the skills of those who show an interest and aptitude for business.
Andrew says: “I gained a lot through my work placements in local businesses and, as the youngest in the group, I did a lot of growing up on the course.
“The study trip to Stuttgart was one of the highlights for me. Throughout the course we worked really hard and it was great to be able to go abroad with my friends and experience new things. I would say the Study Programme is work hard, play hard.
“I made some good friends on the course but also lots of valuable connections to local businesses.
“To anyone thinking of enrolling on the Study Programme I would say definitely do it. My confidence has just gone through the roof thanks to all the opportunities I have been given. I started out quite nervous but now I know I can walk in to a company and do the job.”
Courses in International Trade and Logistics, Marketing and Sales or Starting a Business are enrolling now for 2017.
At the end of the sixth-month programme students will be guaranteed an interview for an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) with a local business in a relevant industry, or be supported to start their own business.
For more information call 01744 742085 or email studyprogrammes@sthelenschamber.com
