The two apprentices will achieve their apprenticeship qualifications through Newbury College and gain valuable work experience required to complete their apprenticeships at the society.

Rose Hallett from Hungerford previously attended Newbury College where she completed a BTEC National Diploma in Business. Melissa Kenah from Thatcham attended Kennet School where she completed three A levels in Sociology, English Literature and Theatre Studies. Both apprentices had to go through a rigorousrecruitment process with the building society before they were appointed.

Geoff Knappett, the director of Newbury Building Society, was delighted with the employment of the new apprentices and said; "Rose and Melissa prepared wellfor their interviews and will be valuable additions to our team. Newbury Building Society is pleased to be able to help two young people to take their steps on the employment ladder and we thank Newbury College for giving us the opportunity to do so."

Newbury College will support the apprentices throughout the Apprenticeship, providing them with the NVQ framework and assessing them in the workplace. they will build up a portfolio of evidence to support their qualification and will also complete valuable Functional Skills exams in english, maths and IT.
The Business and Administration apprenticeship consists of competency based work, building a portfolio of evidence in order to pass the NVQ qualification. The apprentices will also need to pass a technical certificate in 'Principles of Business Adinistration' which compromises of several different units to achieve a pass.

Anne Murdoch, the principal of Newbury College, highly recommends all employers consider recruiting apprentices. She said; "Apprenticeship schems are beneficial to the apprentice, their employer and their company, as many case studies have show. Becoming an apprentice allows the person concerned to earn while they work and learn, which is obviously of great benefit to people of all ages. Companies employing apprenticeships, are ensuring their workforce has the practical skills and qualifications needed now and in the future."