A new book about local business leaders who began their careers as apprentices features three senior staff from Nexus.
The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) unveiled its ‘Apprentice Greats’ book at a glittering launch event on Monday 9 March.
The book, sponsored by Gateshead College and Middlesbrough College, was launched at Gateshead College’s Baltic Campus, as part of NECC’s 200th year anniversary celebrations. It also marked the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week 2015.
Two senior managers and an executive director from Nexus appear in the book, alongside a host of other company directors and managers from across the North East who started out as apprentices.
The Director of Rail Infrastructure for Nexus, Raymond Johnstone, is featured in the book alongside Nexus' Head of Health and Safety Jim Clegg.
Neil Blagburn, the Head of Renewals for Nexus, is also included and makes it into the NECC’s top 20 apprenticeship greats.
Neil began his career with Nexus in 1993 as an apprentice fitter before rising through the ranks to become a senior manager heading up the £389m Metro all change modernisation programme.
He said: “I think this book will help to inspire both young people and their potential employers.
“Our apprentices bring fresh blood into our organisation and with a bit of motivation and hard work, the world really is their oyster.
“Employers should realise that taking on an apprentice is an investment, not a burden. If we don’t replace the skills within our industries, they’ll be lost forever.
“We’re currently in the middle of an apprentice recruitment drive and encourage young men and women to apply. It’d be great to overcome the gender stereotypes attached to engineering roles.”
Ross Smith, NECC Director of Policy, said: “NECC is one of the largest independent training providers in the North East and we believe apprenticeships are a vital way of introducing young people into business.
“If we are to continue supporting businesses within our region we must make sure young people have access to skills and development. This book shows young people what they can achieve by working hard, how far their career can go and also reminds businesses of the potential available within their workforce. The 200 ‘Apprentice Greats’ are leaders of business in our region and this book really demonstrates the calibre of people in the North East.”
Click here to find out more about the Nexus Apprenticeship Scheme.