Pierce counts on apprentices as it builds for the future

Pierce, the Blackburn-based business advisory and accountancy group, is building its team of the future through its apprenticeship recruitment.

The scope of apprenticeships is ever expanding, and Pierce’s apprentices have taken up roles throughout the company, most notably its payroll department.

North Lancs Training Group provides the training framework while Pierce delivers hands-on experience in a live working environment.

The benefits go both ways. Each learner adds invaluable experience to their CV, as well as recognised qualifications and pay, while Pierce is able to build a team of professionals equipped with the exact right set of skills.

Each apprentice is given the opportunity to advance once their course is complete. Phil Johnson, for example, joined with the firm seven years ago with no experience in an office environment.

Following the completion of his apprenticeship, he went on to complete his payroll professional qualifications CIPP. Since then he has worked his way up to become payroll manager of the department, overseeing a team of six.

The team at Pierce was so pleased with this outcome that the payroll department has since recruited a further two apprentices: Layton Smalley and Emily Phelan. Layton has completed his apprenticeship and, as Phil did before him, has moved on to his CIPP studies, Emily is just starting her apprenticeship with NLTG.

Lisa Kennery, payroll director, said: “It wasn’t until recently that we introduced the apprenticeship scheme into our accounts department but it has been a fantastic success, and going forward all trainees at Pierce will complete their professional studies through an apprenticeship.

“The programme provides a full learning programme of theory as well as practical experience for the individual, giving them support and a structured critical learning path as well as the opportunity to document and self-appraise their progress.

“In return, the apprenticeships have really helped us fill a skills gap. Any business who hasn’t considered apprenticeship as an option should do so. For us it demonstrates our business is investing in the future.”

• 01254 688100
• www.pierce.co.uk