APPRENTICESHIP A HAPPY MARRIAGE FOR WEDDING BUSINESS

Tuesday 6 December 2005

A Clacton business woman who bought a local wedding shop earlier this month has sung the praises of an apprenticeship programme which is giving free training and support for new recruit Amy Bell, aged 17, who has been employed as a shop assistant.

“We wanted someone young and energetic that would be able to adapt and develop with the business and local training company TBG Learning have helped me to find the right person. One of the big benefits is that we will be able to train Amy in the way we want things done and she’ll have a mentor from TBG to help her with her qualifications. It’s working really well”, said Debbie Clover, owner-manager of Beautiful Brides in Old Road, Clacton-on-Sea, which designs and tailor makes dresses for clients.

Amy, who’s 17 and lives in Clacton, left Clacton County High School last year and joined the ‘entry 2 employment’ programme for unemployed 16-18 year olds at local training company, TBG Learning. Her tutor arranged work experience for her at Beautiful Brides and she started by helping with fashion shows and getting a feel for retail work at the week-ends. New owner Debbie Clover offered her the full-time job after interviewing several candidates.

“When I first started at TBG Learning my dream job was to be a model and work in fashion. Now a year on I have four qualifications and have started work in the bridal shop full time. I am also modelling shows for them so I am really pleased with myself and with the e2e tutors for helping me get where I am”, said Amy.

Amy joins an employee team that includes two seamstresses and a shop manager. She’s currently helping with preparations for the next Wedding Fayre that takes place on 22nd January at the Clacton Esplanade Hotel.

TBG Learning has centres in Clacton (103-105 Carnarvon Road, telephone 01255 430053) and Colchester (27 Southway, telephone 01206 366341).

Apprenticeship programmes are available to employees aged 16-24 in sectors such as retail, customer care, IT, Logistics, hospitality and catering. Employees receive regular workplace visits by a TBG Learning assessor who gives guidance and practical support as the employee works towards National Vocational Qualifications.

The ‘entry 2 employment’ programme runs at both TBG Learning centres for unemployed 16-18 year-olds and increases employment prospects for young people by building self-confidence, improving English, maths and computer skills and arranging work tasters with local employers.