Apprentice helps double online sales at 4x4 accessories supplier

Bosses at Brierley Hill-based Autostyling say their latest recruit has made an impact on the fast-growing company's e-commerce sales.

Joe Burke, aged 19, is heading towards a full-time job after impressing bosses at the business which is the UK's number one supplier of quality after-market 4x4 pick-up and sports utility vehicle accessories.

Joe, who left college after studying web design and graphics, found out about the apprenticeship thanks to The Apprenticeship Works based in West Bromwich.

It brokers apprentices for employers across the region and placed Joe with Autostyling last year.

Since taking up responsibilities for the company's website, working alongside an external web agency, Joe has helped the business's online arm double its sales.

Autostyling director Richard Langman said: "We are currently expanding and we like to take on good apprentices who can learn from our experienced staff and over time enhance our business. They are worth investing in, as Joe has proved.

"His web design skills coupled with a thorough knowledge of our product range means he is able to link between the business and our external web agency to make the most of our online presence.

"Since he started to carve out this new role we have seen online sales double. Joe's work, improving the quality of our images and the way people search online for our products, is paying off."

The company is currently opening another warehouse and is looking to recruit around 15 new staff plus at least two new apprentices.

Mr Langman said: "We value our apprentices and use The Apprenticeship Works because they have found the right young people for us. We take on apprentices in addition to skilled staff so that we are able to invest in them and train them up properly with the aim of them gaining full-time jobs with us."

The Apprenticeship Works is one of a small number of nationally approved apprentice training agencies, and the only one in the West Midlands to have met new rigorous quality standards set by the National Apprentice Service. The agency was set up in 2009 with the sole aim of helping employers cost effectively recruit young people to their business.

The Apprenticeships Works is different from traditional recruitment agencies. It employs the apprentice, deals with wages, holidays and paperwork, and then simply hires the young person to employers though a weekly agreement.

"I was recommended to The Apprenticeships Works who found this apprenticeship for me. It is working out really well and it is good to know my skills are being used and making a difference to the business," added Joe.