Why Jodie proves taking on apprentices can be a ‘win-win’

The founder of Derby’s Oberoi Business Hub has said taking on apprentices from Derby College Group is paying dividends for the firm.

Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder and managing director of the Pride Park-based business hub, says that while taking on school-leavers requires effort in terms of training and mentoring, it can reap rewards.

One particular success story is nineteen-year-old Jodie Brady, who is already on the management career ladder thanks to the firm foundations secured during her Business Administration apprenticeship.

She was offered a position at Oberoi Business Hub, which provides a range of back office services such as call handling, virtual PA, virtual office addresses, co-working space and meeting rooms and serviced offices to a wide range of businesses.

Through the apprenticeship with Derby College Group, she was able to combine her theoretical work with practical experience gained at Oberoi Business Hub and excelled in her customer-facing roles.

Supported by her DCG Business Administration assessor and managers at Oberoi, Jodie completed both level two and three qualifications in just over two years.

View fullsize

She is now one of the team leaders for the call handing assistants and combines this role with client account management – working with a growing portfolio of business clients who benefit from serviced offices, call answering and virtual offices services.

Jodie said: “Young people are constantly reminded that they need work experience to get a job but employers recognise that apprentices don’t initially have that level of experience so there is far less pressure when applying for jobs.

“I was fortunate to have an employer who supported me to work in the business and contribute to the team from the start.

“I could feel myself growing in confidence as I gained more experience and I learnt so much about business models, which will hold me in good stead for the future.

“I have gained A-Level equivalent qualifications at the same time as my friends finished their exams but I have the work experience to be able to move on with my career rather than starting from scratch.

“You get out what you put in and it is hard work but I got so much support from both the team at Oberoi and my assessor at Derby College that I never felt overwhelmed.”

Kavita said: “Apprenticeships are the ideal way for a business to grow their own talent.

“Taking on school-leavers does require effort with training, mentoring and support but this pays dividends when you find someone like Jodie who has always been keen to learn and progress.

“Working with an established apprenticeship provider like DCG gives peace of mind that the young person will gain the theoretical knowledge and complete the qualifications in a timely and correct way.

“Overall – apprenticeships are a win/win situation for both employers and young people and the opportunity to embrace their energy and enthusiasm which is great motivation for the whole team.”

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, which runs throughout this week, Derby College Group will be holding a virtual information evening on Thursday to support young people who have their sights set on working while they learn and getting the first foothold on the career ladder.

Taking place between 5pm and 7pm, it will be an opportunity for young people to get advice and guidance from the college’s apprenticeship team about how to apply for a job, as well as hearing from a number of local employers who either have current vacancies or are planning to recruit later in the year.

For more information and to pre-register for the apprenticeship information evening, please click here.