A LEDBURY furnishing company is continuing its expansion after recruiting two new apprentices.

The pair, Jack Williams and Debbie Dorman, joined Tinsmiths in late summer.

“We had always enjoyed short term arrangements with 16+ and gap-year students, but a chance conversation with a friend who was interviewing for his second apprentice encouraged me to get in touch with Creative Alliance,” explained Phoebe Clive, partner at Tinsmiths.

“When we reached the later stages I really couldn’t choose between two impressive applications – so we decided to offer both a position. It was just the right moment for Tinsmiths. Growth meant new business systems were being developed and we were about to create a new website.

"We would like to encourage young people to stay in the area and the year-long apprenticeship allows time for learning that is practical and transferrable.”

“I’d worked for three years after school, but felt I hadn’t got anything to show for it," said Jack. "The Creative Alliance apprenticeship allows me to work and to gain a qualification. I found it on the web and wanted to stay pretty local so this position, 10 minutes walk from home, is perfect.

Debbie, who decided against going to university added: “I looked into the role & the company; I decided this was the one for me and I had to work there.

"I am thoroughly enjoying myself here at Tinsmiths. Everyone is very friendly and carefully explain systems to make working here an absolute pleasure.

Both Jack and Debbie will gain a Level Three Diploma in Business and Administration on completion of their year.

Creative Alliance is the leading vocational learning provider in the Midlands for the Creative & Cultural industries. The social enterprise’s purpose is to enable talented young people to get into learning, training and working in creative roles.