Apprenticeship initiative wins Mayoral support

Release date: 17/06/2011

Harvey Ingram is leading the way for other professional services firms after unveiling new apprentice hires.

Leicester College students Jayshree Keshwala and Luke Marsden, joined the firm's IT team as part of an 18-month apprenticeship scheme. They will now hone their skills in the workplace while progressing towards a formal IT qualification.

Harvey Ingram's decision to invest in apprenticeships has won support from city Mayor Peter Soulsby.

He says: "I am delighted with Harvey Ingram's decision. The firm has now set the bar for the city's other professional services firms to follow. We have excellent schools and colleges turning out superb candidates every year and this kind of grass-roots investment in our home-grown talent will underpin Leicester's growth for generations to come.

"The Government's decision to triple university tuition fees means that many young people will now look at other options. Investment and job creation via apprenticeships like this actually gives businesses the opportunity to quickly champion the development of a young, eager and willing workforce.

"I hope to see many more schemes like Harvey Ingram's being set up in the months to come."

Harvey Ingram HR director Sinead Trudgill and technical services manager Mark Ainsley, oversaw the firm's apprenticeship initiative.

Sinead Trudgill says: "Up until a few decades ago professional apprenticeships were widespread across Britain, but their prevalence fell away as more young people chose to pursue higher education. Learning and earning on the job is a great way to launch any career and we were delighted when Jayshree and Luke opted to join us, as they are clearly both superb hires."