VIRGIN MEDIA will take on more than 70 new apprentices at the Stockton office.

The new positions are full time roles in Virgin media’s customer retentions division. More than 70 additional apprentice roles have also been announced to be based at Virgin Media’s office in Sheffield.

The customer retention advisor roles are a level two apprenticeship, which means all successful applicants will be provided with a development programme to ensure that they have a detailed structure and progress plan throughout the 15-month duration of the scheme. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a passion for communicating and that enjoy working as part of a wider-team.

The Northern Echo:

Rt. Hon Anne Milton MP, Minister for Apprenticeships & Skills, with an apprentice in Birmingham

To mark the launch of the new scheme, Virgin Media welcomed Rt Hon Anne Milton MP, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, at its Eagle Court site in Birmingham. The Birmingham office is a ‘Centre for Excellence’ for its apprenticeship training.

Virgin Media’s apprenticeship programme has been running for more than ten years and, at present, almost 300 apprentices are currently enrolled on a wide variety of schemes. These range from engineering and field operations, to HR, law and finance.

Rt Hon Anne Milton MP, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, said: “It is fantastic to see Virgin Media expanding its exciting apprenticeship programme. They are providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn new skills and get into a fulfilling job. Most important of all they are helping people improve their confidence and unlock their potential.

“I had a great time meeting apprentices in Birmingham today and their passion was plain to see. So well done to Virgin Media and lots of other employers across the country who are kick-starting and growing high-quality schemes. These will bring big benefits to their business as well as the apprentices themselves.”

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said: “Apprenticeships can change the life of young people and the businesses they work with for the better. They offer a vital alternative to university for many school leavers, and I’m delighted to see a household name like Virgin Media put their faith in our local workforce by opening up 70 new positions.

“Apprentices will be given all the support they need to progress, and they are open to anyone who has get-up-and-go, no matter their background. There are many routes to a rewarding and successful career out there, and this is certainly one of them.”

Brigitte Trafford, chief corporate affairs officer, Virgin Media said: “We are delighted to be expanding our apprenticeship scheme with the creation of more than 140 new roles. Those that are enrolled on to the programme will benefit from some of the best hands-on training available and will be guided every step of the way throughout the duration of their course.”