A young apprentice, at a GP practice in Stockport, has been chosen as one of the faces of a UK wide campaign aimed at changing the nation’s view of apprenticeships.
Neil Williams, an apprentice at Alvanley Family Practice, has been working with the Department of Education on their 2019 campaign and will soon be appearing on adverts around the country.
The “Fire It Up” campaign wants to inspire employers to offer apprenticeships and young people to take up all the amazing opportunities available.
Thousands of organisations around the country already employ apprentices but many still don’t understand the benefits it will bring to their businesses.
And many young people don’t appreciate the doors an apprenticeship will open for them with almost 9 out of 10 continuing in employment after their apprenticeship ends.
The “Fire It Up” campaign focuses on the energy and buzz that an apprentice brings to any organisation they join.
Neil, 21 from Stockport, started his Medical Administration Apprentice at Alvanley in 2015 and quickly became an integral part of the team bringing new IT skills which helped the practice in creating a more efficient prescriptions processing system.
He went on to start a level 3 qualification and has since become a medical terminology expert and leads on clinical coding.
His eyes are already set on his next career move and he plans to get an AAT accounting qualification and move into a finance support role at the practice
Modest as always, Neil brushed off his new found fame saying “If I can help people to understand just how good an apprenticeship can be then it’ll be a job well done. In the meantime I’m brushing up on my autograph signing skills!”
But staff and patients alike at the practice agree that he’s been an amazing asset to them and deserves the recognition.
Practice Manager, Kay Keane said “Everyone loves Neil. He’s bright and cheerful and a firm patient favourite but he also works extremely hard and perseveres when others might give up.
“We’re so proud of him and we’re going to see who can spot him over the coming months on bill boards and in newspapers. He’s already turned down an appearance on day time TV because he was coming to work. He’s going to be demanding a red carpet soon!”