IT’S National Apprenticeship Week!

And one firm celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships have had on its business is Valleyserve.

The Dyno plumbing franchise based in Roentgen Road, took on two apprentices last September and both employer and employees are now reaping the benefits.

Matthew Dorn, 18 from Basingstoke and Lewis Jones, also 18, from Bracknell, were both struggling to find work and get on the career ladder, when they came across Valleyserve who were looking for youngsters to provide additional support for their experienced plumbers.

Both are now studying for their Level 2 NVQ in plumbing and are looking forward to becoming fully fledged plumbers after getting the best hands-on experience possible.

Matthew said: “I would say to anyone who’s thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship to go for it. You get another qualification and it’s great that you get to gain so much practical experience.

“Doing this apprenticeship has made me want to work hard and have a successful career in something I really enjoy.”

Wayne Henton, operations manager at Valleyserve said: “I would urge any business to get on board and to support apprenticeships.

“Training is the key to successful employees and a successful business, and we hope to take on more apprentices in the future.”