In Brief: National Apprenticeship Services; Diva Telecom; Sevens Seas

THE National Apprenticeship Services’ 2014 100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge has helped 728 people in Yorkshire take their first step on the career ladder.
 
The challenge has supported new learners to access the Apprenticeship programme with more than 430 employers. 
 
Nick Wilson, deputy director for the Skills Funding Agency in North East, said: “The 100 Days Apprenticeship Challenge cements the philosophy that through working together a much greater impact can be achieved and this result supports that. 
 
“I would like to personally thank all the forward-thinking employers that have got behind our campaign this year and are now realising the business benefits that young and enthusiastic apprentices can bring to their company.”

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS firm Diva Telecom has expanded its team and moved into new premises.

The appointment of business development manager Claire-Marie Joynson and senior account manager Jackie Killiard come as Diva moves into Hawthorn Park in Leeds.

Diva Telecom clients include American pharmaceuticals, software companies and large corporates including Toshiba, HTC and major banks. The firm brokers and facilitates global communications by offering b2b solutions from inbound numbers and internet to audio conferencing and SMS services. Supplying numbers in over 100 countries, the company’s turnover has grown by 41% in the last three years.

Erica Lewis, who started Diva Telecom from her home in 2006, said: “Our office move has given us even more room for expansion and as a cash rich company we have our sights firmly set on an acquisition in the next two years. We are looking at making further operational appointments this year which will take our staff to 11. We know we have got the team, the expertise and the services for continued growth and expect our turnover in the next financial year to top £3m.”

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THE owner of K2 Training Services has trained more than 50 Seven Seas employees to undertake training for new careers.

The workers will lose their jobs as part of the closure of the Hull factory next year.

Debbie Kuhr-Jones delivers Microsoft training for some of the biggest companies in East Yorkshire. She said: “It is sad that the factory is going to close and that people will lose their jobs but Seven Seas are putting a lot of effort and money into helping their staff prepare for the future.”