TWO more graduates have been appointed to the expanding Cross Compliance Solutions (CXCS) team, bringing the number of people working for the company to 25.

Since its formation in 2009, 12 young people have joined either directly from college, or on student placements. The latest two Grace Jackson and George Hinksman were appointed in September.

Charles Mayson, managing director of Cross Compliance Solutions, said: “We have a settled policy of hiring apprentices and training them up to full-time paid positions. Good quality training and support has yielded some excellent results.

"We have a recognised career structure and if apprentices do well in their first year they can expect promotion to full employee status.

“Quite a few of our team have joined straight from school or college and have not known any other employment. We’ve taken 12 young people off the NEETS tally in Hereford. That’s very gratifying, especially when you consider their drive and their desire to succeed.”

Apprentices join from Riverside Training, Hereford, and are monitored throughout their first year with CXCS. Niki Ryan, NVQ assessor for Riverside Training, said: “We have placed quite a few apprentices with CXCS and it’s really heartening to see how they develop, both in terms of skills and in personal growth.”

The Cross Compliance Solutions team recently visited Magna Castra Farm for a training session. Magna Castra is a 350 cow dairy farm based on the edge of Credenhill, run by a family partnership.

The business has been expanding steadily in recent years and a new rotary parlour was installed in 2010.