A MERSEYSIDE businessman is urging companies across the region to take on apprentices.
John McNally, from Meols, Wirral, believes apprentices are the key to building a successful future for businesses. He runs Greenfields Kennels, Cattery and Petshop, and has used apprentices since setting up eight years ago.
He said: “The benefits of apprentices are really significant. You are placed in the unique position of moulding the apprentice into your ideal employee – engaging apprentices adds real value to a business.”
Mr McNally, who runs the company with the help of his wife, Gaynor, has used 30 apprentices in the past eight years, and currently employs 25 staff in a range of part-time and permanent positions. These include four apprentices.
He added: “It is through the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) that we have been able to gain access to apprentices using Reaseheath College, in Nantwich. These young people have been able to combine the benefits of desk work at college and on-the-job learning at Greenfields.
“We have developed a really good working relationship with both the NAS and Reaseheath, who are there to help at every stage. With the college providing training and support, we are able to spend our time developing our apprentices.”
Students work four days a week at Greenfields and spend one day completing qualifications at college. He added: “It is important to balance the two elements of training. Students can come to us and experience first-hand everything from kennel management to customer service.
“We are committed to the apprentices we take on and, so long as they complete their qualification and training, we have no problem taking them on full time.”
Mark Donnelly, North West employer services manager for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “It’s great to see that businesses such as Greenfields Kennels are taking on apprentices to develop their organisation.
“During the current economic climate, businesses can prepare for the upturn building capacity and expertise, while receiving quality training for their apprentice.”
