Apprentices studying with Loughborough College are in line for a top national award.
Kirsty Allan, Fern Tebbutt , Charlotte Lockhart and Roxy Morrow work with Leicestershire estate agency Aidan J Reed, who have been named as finalists in The National Apprenticeship Awards 2015.
Charlotte, Kirsty, Fern and Roxy, who have been studying Business Adminstration at Loughborough College, will discover if AJR has won the East Midlands Small Employer of the Year accolade at a glittering ceremony taking place later this month.
Kirsty Allen explained: “My experience so far as an apprentice has been great. I feel that I have really grown as a person, my confidence has improved so much that I sometimes do not recognise the person that I was before I started.
“I would highly recommend apprenticeships through Loughborough College and have enjoyed working with such a great group of people that have helped me every step of the way. Deciding to pursue the route of an apprenticeship was the best decision I have ever made.”
Loughborough College Instructor and Trainer Gaynor Noon added: “AJR have provided an excellent apprenticeship programme across both the sales and lettings areas of their business. They have worked in collaboration with the college to encourage their learners to grow in confidence and become valued professionals in their field.
“I believe that the company are intending to develop the skills of the apprentices by offering them the opportunity to study for recognised industry estate agency qualifications. This could lead to them progressing into more senior positions. “
Quorn manager Steph Dunkley described to Apprenticeship Award judges in summer how the four apprentices had provoked “a fresh new energy to the business.
“We have developed and motivated four individuals to become exceptional, skilled staff. As a result, our customers feel valued and July 2015 was our company’s best month in lettings since we started.
“The apprentices’ focus now is on getting an industry qualification (ARLA), and becoming role models for the apprenticeship route by presenting to local schools on their experiences. For us they are the future of estate agency.”
The National Apprenticeship Service will be hosting the 2015 East Midlands Apprenticeship Awards finals on 29 October at Sketchley Grange Hotel and Spa in Burbage.
Pictured (left to right): Charlie Lockhart, Steph Dunkley, Fern Tebbutt, Kirsty Allan, Roxy Morrow