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Grestec Tiles support National Apprenticeship Week (11-15th March), having had our very first young apprentice in 2012. An apprenticeship offers fantastic opportunities for young people and allows them to earn as they learn whilst working towards an accredited qualification.

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For National Apprenticeship Week, Jake Macey, explains how the apprenticeship scheme has been of benefit to him by giving him a diverse range of responsibilities, experience and opportunities whilst studying for a qualification in Website Development. ‘I joined Grestec Tiles in December 2011 as a part of my apprenticeship in Website Development & Design at Kent College. I had left school earlier that year with several GCSE’s, but I was uncertain where to progress my career next. I have always been very hands-on and have found I learn much more effectively when I am being pro-active. An apprenticeship appeared to be a great option for me because it provided me with the opportunity to work hands-on in the working environment; giving me both the experience I needed for a career in website development in the future and a worthy qualification. Throughout my time as an apprentice at Grestec Tiles, I thoroughly enjoyed all that I was involved in, both whilst in the workplace and at college. The apprenticeship has proven to be extremely diverse and has widened my knowledge base and experience considerably. I was given the opportunity to undertake a variety of different roles and responsibilities each providing me with masses of knowledge, experience and skills that are invaluable. I would highly recommend apprenticeships to young people; an apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn money, experience and a qualification all at the same time whilst opening thousands of doors for a career in the future!’ For more information about the apprenticeship scheme visit: http:www.apprenticeships.org.uk.