Carl Horton (21) left the sixth form college with good grades but wasn’t sure about going to University. It was only after talking to his brother who was doing an apprenticeship with Riverside Training that he left his part time job to take up an apprenticeship placement.

Riverside Training recommended Carl to Padstone Financial Management, a firm of Independent Financial Advisors offering bespoke financial advice and auto enrolment services for workplace pensions.

Carl completed his Level 2 in Business Administration and was offered a full time position as a Portfolio Administration Controller. “My job involves working with ISA, Unit Trust and Pension funds to make sure our clients have the most suitable funds within their portfolios, the apprenticeship has been a great stepping stone”, says Carl.

Carl works in a team of five reporting to the Auto Enrolment Manager, Beth Fortey. “Carl is very dedicated, he has a great head for figures - the Apprenticeship has helped to grow Carl’s confidence and the support given by his assessor has given him real purpose”, says Beth.

Carl adds, “I am now working towards my Chartered Institute of Insurance RO1 Financial Regulations and Ethics qualification. If it hadn’t been for the apprenticeship at Padstone, I am not sure which direction my career path would have taken.”

Riverside’s Philip Broomhead added, “It’s a great example of how an apprenticeship can be a great way into employment and project young people into a future career. We work tirelessly to match learners to the right employer and then work alongside them to develop their skills, competence, knowledge and confidence.”

Should you want to know more about securing an apprenticeship placement or any other training needs, please contact Nicky Scott at Riverside Training on 01432 359244