Apprenticeships have provided the key to recruitment for a Kirklees firm.

Twenty-one-year-old Shauna Bonas, of Heckmondwike, now has a permanent job at Cleckheaton-based cutting tools supplier Cutwel after completing a one-year apprenticeship in telesales with the company.

The thriving family business, which has 41 staff specialises in supplying precision cutting tools and machine tool accessories to the engineering industry throughout the UK and Eire.

Cutwel has recruited 10 apprentices through Bradford Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA), including seven in sales, two in the warehouse department and one in information technology.

The firm also has two former apprentices, including Shauna, who have just been offered permanent jobs and been appointed as apprentice ambassadors by Bradford ATA.

Cutwel managing director Paul Hawksworth said: “We love the business and are constantly reinvesting in it.

“In the past, we have used employment agencies to recruit staff, but without great success. We’ve found apprenticeships are a much better way forward for us.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to get young people into the workplace. They have 12 months to learn new skills and gain a qualification whilst helping businesses to develop. At the end of that period both the business and apprentice should know if they are suited to one another.

Shauna said: “I like earning while I learn. It’s a real plus point that I have been paid above the recommended apprenticeship wage. I did beauty therapy before and wanted to do something else that was fresh and new.

“My goal is to become a sales manager. It feels fantastic to have been appointed to a permanent job.”

Now more young people in north Kirklees are being urged to boost their job and career prospects and apply for apprenticeship vacancies across the area.

Apprenticeships are available for 16 to 24-year-olds who want to get a foot onto the career ladder, earn as they learn, and gain a qualification at the same time as training with an employer.

Bradford ATA, which covers the Cleckheaton area, is also urging employers to benefit from the free support available.

Bradford ATA provides free and impartial advice for SMEs that want to find out about the benefits and practical steps involved in recruiting an apprentice.

Kate Dallas-Wood, chief executive of Bradford ATA, said: “Apprenticeships are good for business and good for young people who can get their foot onto the career ladder.

“Apprenticeships provide a cost-effective route when planning for the future success and growth of your business and addressing skills shortages.

“Apprentices are highly motivated people who are keen to learn, progress and get the most from their job or career.”

Cutwel was launched by Paul and Mary Hawksworth 19 years-ago.

Its outbound sales team makes about 1,200 calls a day while the inbound and technical team deals with more than 300 customers daily, processing orders and giving information and advice on the latest technology available.

Mary Hawksworth, company secretary, said: “Our apprentices are not a short term solution – they are part of our team and we have high expectations of them all with the opportunity of permanent employment as they achieve their qualification.

“We pay our apprentices considerably more than the recommended apprentice wage.

“Everyone makes a contribution to the success of the business and is valued for their effort.”

Go to www.apprenticeship-hubs.co.uk or email info@atabradford.co.uk