Work experience leads to jobs for two former Shrewsbury schoolmates

Ashley Lutwyche, 16, and Daniel Taylor, 16, made such a good impression when spending a fortnight with successful caravan dealership Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury in 2010 that they were offered jobs on leaving school.

Both ex-pupils of Sundorne School and Sports College in Shrewsbury, they are now employed as caravan and motorhome engineering apprentices.

“I enjoyed my work experience placement with Salop Leisure and applied for a job here when I left school,” said Ashley. “I am doing different things every day, which keeps the work interesting.”

Daniel said he felt lucky to have a job as many of his ex-schoolmates were either unemployed or in college and not earning money.

Both he and Ashley are keen to progress within the company, which they said was very supportive.

Viv Jones, Salop Leisure’s customer services manager, said throughout his career he had always supported the recruitment of young people on apprenticeship programmes.

“Apprenticeships have always worked well for me and Salop Leisure recognises that young people are the future and a business asset,” he added. “I am really pleased with the performance of Ashley and Daniel, who are dedicated to the job.”

He revealed that the company might consider taking on more apprentices in 2012 to meet increasing demand for servicing and repairs in its workshops, which are open seven days a week.

The number of workshop engineers has grown from five three years ago to 12. “It’s important that we have young people coming through the apprenticeship programme to support business growth,” added Mr Jones.

Tony Bywater, Salop Leisure’s chairman, said it was the company’s policy to work with local schools to provide work experience placements for students. “We learn a lot from them and they gain valuable experience of a working environment, which helps to prepare them for employment when they finish their education,” he explained.