AN ambitious 17-year-old from the region has started an apprenticeship with a Newcastle law firm to further his career.

Samuel Phillips Law Firm has appointed Hader Ali through Newcastle City Learning’s apprenticeship scheme. Mr Ali sees the role as a valuable stepping stone towards his ambition of running his own IT support business.

He said: “To run my own business successfully, I need a strong background in business administration. By working with Samuel Phillips Law Firm, I’m learning more than I could have expected.

No two days are the same, and I’m building the skillset I need for my career, as well as skills for life.”

Mr Ali had previously completed the Microsoft IT Academy programme with the Zenos Academy, after completing his GCSEs. He will now work with Samuel Phillips Law Firm for 12 months, during which time he will complete an NVQ Level 2 in business administration.

David Laud, chief executive of Samuel Phillips, was impressed by the young entrepreneur at the first meeting.

He said: “Hader is already proving a quick learner and an asset to this company. At the interview, he was on time and smartly dressed, which always creates a good impression.

However, he had not only thought about his appearance, he had determined what he wanted from a role with Samuel Phillips too. He had also researched our company and was confident about the benefits he could bring to us.

“Apprenticeships are a valuable route into any work environment, and Hader knows to achieve his ambitions he needs to develop first class business administration skills. He opted to work with our law firm to get invaluable experience in this area.”

Through the Apprenticeship Plus scheme, Newcastle City Learning, part of Newcastle City Council, has managed salary subsidies to enable SMEs to recruit apprentices, to help reduce the number of 16 to 18-yearolds not in employment, education or training, in the Newcastle area. The scheme is available to small and medium sized Newcastle-based businesses, and having originally aimed to place 20 apprentices, the scheme has already secured placements for 32 apprentices.

Elaine Withycombe, employment and skills co-ordinator with Newcastle City Learning, liaises with Newcastle businesses interested in employing an apprentice, and is also involved in the prescreening of the potential apprentices.

She said: “It is wonderful to find the ideal placement for both the apprentice and the business.

Hader was eloquent, and smart, and clear about the skills he wished to learn. Six weeks on, he is thriving in his workplace apprenticeship.

“Apprenticeships have clear benefits for both the business and the young person, as well as benefits for our wider community as we help our young people take steps towards their own future.”