Huddersfield-based recruitment specialists Stafflex teamed up with Kirklees College to help a young apprentice launch a full-time career in his chosen field.
Luke Foster, 18, joined Stafflex in October 2021 as an apprenticeship business development executive.
As part of his apprenticeship with the recruitment firm, Luke studied for the Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Recruitment Resourcing at Kirklees College in Huddersfield.
In April 2023 Luke successfully completed the nationally-recognised qualification – and Stafflex was delighted to offer him a permanent, full-time role.
Luke is now a fully-fledged business development executive and is a key member of the firm’s Industrial Desk.
Nemi Alexis, business development and marketing manager at Stafflex, said: “We are so proud that Luke has completed his apprenticeship and has launched his career in recruitment with us.
“We could see that Luke had all the attributes and people skills right from our very first meeting with him and everyone here at Stafflex are delighted to see him grow and develop and we can’t wait to support him on his journey.
“Luke has made a big impact in his time at Stafflex and it’s great to have him as part of the team.”
Nemi said it was important to invest in young people and, with the right guidance and training, both companies and the individual apprentice would benefit.
“As Luke has been with us for 18 months or so he’s now learned what Stafflex is all about and studying the qualification at Kirklees College has equipped him with all the skills and wider knowledge of the industry,” added Nemi.
“Thanks to the support of Kirklees College, Luke now has everything he needs to go on and have a successful career in the recruitment industry.”
David Henderson, curriculum area manager at Kirklees College, said: “We are so proud to see Luke achieve his dream and turn his apprenticeship into a permanent role.
“At Kirklees College we have over 1,000 apprentices and over 1,000-plus employers across multiple sectors and we have a track record of success working in partnership with employers.
“We are able to tailor our apprenticeships to the needs of employers whilst providing advice and guidance on funding, recruitment and delivery.
“Our aim is to ensure we provide all our apprentices with the opportunity to reach their full potential. We want to wish Luke all the best in his future career.”
The Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Recruitment Resourcing is based on assignment projects and professional discussion and is aimed at meeting employer skills priorities and promoting a professional industry standard to learning and development.
Luke said: “Apprenticeships are so important for young people because it’s like getting the best of both worlds, working for an employer but also training at college. It couldn’t have worked better for me and I’m excited to get started.”
Stafflex, established in 2000, has a long-standing relationship with Kirklees College and has worked closely with the college on its recruitment needs since 2005.
