A training and apprenticeship specialist has already placed 100 young people into companies, within nine months of launching his new enterprise, Training and Business Solutions, and says he’s determined to spread the word about the “life-changing power” of apprenticeships.

Steve Rushton will be a familiar face to many in North Staffordshire, having previously been Director of Partnerships at Achieve Training.

Part of the Aspire Housing group,  Achieve placed thousands of trainees in roles across the area, giving many people a way into a long-term career.

Steve took a leap of faith into the world of self-employment in November 2022 and he’s already making a difference for job seekers in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding areas.

“It’s been hard work, but the effort is always trumped by the outcome when you know you are helping to change lives,” said Steve. “I’ve now passed the landmark figure of supporting 100 people into apprenticeships. At least half of those will be 16 to 18-year-olds going into their first employment – a truly transformational, life-changing experience.”

Training and Business Solutions are trusted to work with a diverse range of companies. This means recruits are spread across many trades, including manufacturing, construction, admin, social media marketing, retail, logistics. IT and digital.

Churchill China has worked with Steve on both apprenticeship recruitment and training opportunities for more senior staff.

Lisa Barnett. Senior HR Manager, said: “With the growth of our business we identified the need to develop our middle management to provide them with the skills and strategies to develop their team members. I Invited Steve to discuss our requirements and, as a result, I wholeheartedly recommend Training and Business Solutions. The level of customer service is outstanding, offering a truly consultative approach, Steve has worked with us as our main apprenticeship and training partner provider.

“Training and Business Solutions have always been very responsive to our training and recruitment needs and always go the extra mile to ensure we fulfil our requirements.”

In addition to the formal apprenticeship recruitment work, Steve, of Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, is keen to educate the general public on the benefits of apprenticeships and training and has held apprenticeship question and answer sessions in venues such as workingmen’s clubs.

“Steve said: “A report said apprenticeships benefit business in Britain to the tune of £700 million within a decade of their start date, with each business using higher level apprenticeships seeing average production gains of £7,000 per apprentice over the course of the apprenticeship*. They offer opportunities to both job seekers and companies, as apprenticeships can take young people on a learning path from job entry to degree level, providing opportunities to learn and earn. There’s also much evidence that apprenticeship recruitment creates a more loyal workforce, willing to grow with companies.”

*Chartered Management Institute, November 2022.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle. Telephone 0776 2043436, email [email protected]