Seventeen young people from across the East Midlands have started work at the University as part of a new apprenticeship scheme.

Working with admin staff, designers — even lab technicians — under the guidance of mentors, the 17 will also attend college to work towards an NVQ.

“Nottingham is not just an international university attracting students from around the world; we are also a major employer in the local area providing a vast range of exciting career opportunities,” said Professor Sarah O’Hara, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Access and Community Relations.

“We are passionate about supporting young people in Nottinghamshire to achieve their full potential and delighted to be involved in an apprenticeship scheme that will enable them to acquire new skills and paid employment while adding to our talented workforce.”

Claire Kempson, Professional Development Officer, added: “The University is committed to building strong links with the local community and recognises that a particular problem in Nottinghamshire is youth unemployment.

“The programme was introduced to provide worthwhile jobs and excellent training for this group, making a significant contribution to the local area in this time of economic hardship. Evidence suggests that apprentices are highly motivated, highly productive and because of the combination of in-house support and external training are able to quickly become productive and valuable members of staff.”

Adele Baron, 18, from Long Eaton, is working as a marketing and communications assistant after completing a BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma course in Art and Design.

“I felt that I’d got everything out of college that I could, but wasn’t ready to go to university,” said Adele. “As there aren’t many jobs near home I saw the apprenticeship as a great opportunity to learn about a working environment.

“I can always study at University later, but this is giving me the chance to learn about working in a communications and marketing department while developing my photography skills; being a professional photographer is something I’d like to do full time in the future. If I was offered a full-time position at the end of my apprenticeship I would definitely take the offer.”

Lewis Stainer, 21, from Beeston, also wants to be a professional photographer, and is working as an audio visual assistant alongside Lisa Gilligan-Lee, image editor in Communications, Marketing and Recruitment.

“There aren’t many photography apprenticeships going. Working with a professional photographer — capturing, editing and uploading images — in a corporate environment, is a brilliant opportunity. Hopefully, if I am good enough, it will result in a full-time position.”

For more information about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk