Student bags dream job thanks to Burgess Hill apprentice scheme

Matt Foster, 18, has been offered a permanent position with AM&M, a marketing a data management company, after completing an apprenticeship there. He applied for the job through Burgess Hill Business Parks Association (BHBPA) and is now working devising and delivering campaigns on behalf of utility companies, charities and blue chip clients.

He was one of the first local teenagers to be supported by the BHBPA scheme, set up last year with Oakmeeds Community College and Central Sussex College.

Matt said: “All my mates who went to college have complained about how much course work they are getting. Here, no day is the same. Every type of job we do is different. I’m learning new skills and asking advice all the time.”

The BHBPA made £30,000 available to businesses to help with the costs of supporting an apprentice. It also advertised for them for free and screened initial candidate applications.

AM&M print manager and Matt’s boss, Greg Salmon said if it hadn’t been for the BHBPA it might never have considered taking on an apprentice.

“Matt was perfect. We were getting someone who was IT literate, who we could mould to fit our way of working. He’s already quite advanced in the organisation.

“We’d definitely do it again,” Greg said.

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