A MERSEYSIDE teenager has got her career moving on the right track after a Merseytravel apprenticeship helped her secure a full-time job with the organisation.

Nicola Parker, 17, from West Derby, is now working full time as a process assistant in the organisation’s learning department, known as Merseylearn.

This resulted from an apprenticeship that saw her named as Merseytravel Apprentice of the Year.

Miss Parker said: “The variety of training at Merseytravel is great.

“During my Apprenticeship I had placements in four different departments, so I learnt about a number of different aspects of the organisation.

“Now, as part of my job within the learning team, I encourage fellow employees to go on training courses and improve their skills.

“I’ve been on lots of courses myself, as part of my Apprenticeship, so I know how beneficial they are.”

She explained how working as an apprentice helped to secure her new role.

She said: “My Apprenticeship has enabled me to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst working and I believe that is the reason why I am where I am today.

“The fact that I was earning whilst I was learning eliminated any financial worries and meant that I was 100% focussed on my work.”

Neil Scales, Merseytravel’s chief executive and director general, said: “Offering Apprenticeships to young people such as Nicola is just one of the training aspects of Merseylearn.

“Our learning scheme has had a great effect, not only for Merseytravel as an organisation but also for the general public who use our services.”

Mark Donnelly, employer services manager for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “It is great to see that Nicola is enjoying success as a result of her Apprenticeship.”