Consumer finance provider LaSer UK enrols first-ever apprentice
SOLIHULL consumer finance provider LaSer UK has launched a new apprenticeship programme to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers.
The first person to be taken on through the programme is Luke Harrington, who is working in the firm’s IT department. He has joined the firm from Baverstock Sixth Form, where he studied a two year BTEC course in IT.
Luke will be studying for two A-levels in IT and Telecoms whilst working, which will allow him to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a real life working environment.
Jane Kimberlin, Director of IT, LaSer UK said: “As an innovative business our IT department is a perfect place for Luke to turn theory learnt at college into valuable experience. I believe as a business we should give young people the opportunity to work, learn, progress and turn their apprenticeship experience into a successful career.”
Luke said: “The opportunity to work whilst studying is just what I want. Going to university doesn’t guarantee a job so I really wanted to get practical experience. If I had stayed on at college I would have gained two A-levels yet no work experience, but now I will have the best of both worlds.”
The apprenticeship has helped towards Solihull MP Lorely Burt’s target of placing 100 Solihull young people in work within 100 days.
The MP said: “I am pleased that one of Solihull’s biggest employers is backing my campaign to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days. With this new apprenticeship, Luke will get the necessary help to ensure he earns and learns, while LaSer UK will gain a valuable employee. LaSer UK is also well regarded for their charity work and involvement in the local community.”
LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer.
The company currently manages more than 4m customers and has over 200 UK partnerships, financing £1.7bn in credit. Aside from Solihull, it has a base in Belfast and its clients include Asda, Flybe, Dell, Sony, Marriott Rewards, Selfridges & Co, Everton FC, Dixons Retail, Sharps, DFS and Dreams.
