November 2011

Helping youngsters to build bright futures

Sunderland-based contact centre and marketing fulfilment specialist 2Touch, has welcomed apprentices Rhys Bunker and Joseph Taylor to its finance and IT departments.

Rhys, 19 from Murton, County Durham, is a Gateshead College student studying a three year AAT (Association Accounting Training) qualification.

Rhys joined 2Touch, as part of a three year apprenticeship scheme, he works four days within the finance department and spends one day a week at college.

Both were introduced to 2Touch by The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) which works closely with colleges to address the skills gap for businesses in the region.

Rhys said: “I was delighted to join the 2Touch team, the experience is proving to be invaluable to me. Already, I am getting to grips with bank reconciliation, a process which involves comparing the firm’s record of transactions and correlating it to the bank’s records.

“I am able to see how the theory I am learning on the course relates to the working day, I am delighted by the opportunity I have been given and I’m really enjoying the experience.”

Joseph, 18 from Washington, is a City of Sunderland College student studying an IT Professional B-Tech qualification and has joined the 2Touch IT team as part of his learning experience.

He said: “I am having a great time at 2Touch, I am working on the help desk where I am dealing with enquiries and I get the opportunity to set up PCs. I have been thrown in at the deep end which is great as I get to be hands-on and have the chance to work alongside a great team.”

Stuart Gray, managing director of 2Touch, said: “We have developed a strong relationship with the NECC and were delighted to be approached with the apprenticeship scheme which benefits both employer and employee. As a large firm employing nearly 1,000 people we pride ourselves on nurturing our workforce and we look to provide long-term jobs.

“By giving youngsters, a hands-on approach to learning, we are able to offer a mentoring system that develops talent, builds on skills and increases confidence. “

Xx, at the NECC, said: “We work with companies to offer learners a range of apprenticeships and training opportunities in the region.

“We are delighted that Rhys and Joseph have settled in well at 2Touch and appear to be flourishing within their new working environment. We look forward to developing our relationship with 2Touch which is a very valued member of the NECC and an important contributor to the regional economy.”