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Apprenticeship advice

Businesses, employers and training companies from across the region were given advice on the apprenticeship levy. They took part in a workshop hosted by a Midlands recruitment agency.

MNA Recruitment welcomed 23 representatives to its head offices in Wolverhampton on Tuesday 13 February.

The workshop was led by Lynsey Flynn of WELL Training, partners of MNA Recruitment. She explained how businesses can get the most out of the apprenticeship levy.

Lynsey talked the guests through how they can develop their staff and use the Government levy to put money back into their business.

The guests were also given an introduction talk by director of MNA Recruitment services Lee Smith. There was an opportunity to network, followed by refreshments.

MNA workshop is ‘informative’

Paul Andrews from PDM Produce, who attended the workshop, said: “The workshop was really useful and informative.

“The information given was incredibly valuable. It painted a clear picture about the apprenticeship levy for businesses.”

Lorraine Dye, from Free Radio, said: “Free Radio is a media partner with MNA Recruitment.

“The workshop was a great exercise to see what apprenticeships are all about and how they can benefit companies. I now have a better understanding and this has opened my eyes to how the levy works.”

Newsroom tour

Following the workshop visitors were given a tour of the Express & Star newsroom, led by political editor Peter Madeley.

They were able to see the news and sports teams in operation as they prepared the latest stories for the newspaper and websites.

The guests were also shown around the MNA Digital operation before they had the chance to network with lunch in the Express & Star boardroom.

MNA Communications Executive Rebecca Heyes said: “The event was really successful. It was great to see so many people engaged in the workshop.

“Many of our guests asked questions and joined in with the discussions. The feedback we were given showed that everyone found the information extremely helpful.”

Employee of the Week competition

MNA Recruitment teamed up with Planet Radio to shine a spotlight on those employees who go the extra mile.

The Employee of the Week competition ran throughout January, with three winners announced on consecutive Fridays.

The search for the employee of the week was staged as part of a promotional campaign for MNA Recruitment. The firm wanted to honour a popular employee as part of their promotion of their services.

The winners were presented with lunch time pizzas and a red letter day. Dicky Dodd from Signal 107 also gave them a surprise phone call, and visited them at their workplace.

Winner #1- Milk lab technician

Our first employee of the week was a dedicated lab technician from the NMR in Wolverhampton.

Caroline Brown was nominated by colleague Nicola Beards for her hard work and positive attitude.

According to her colleagues, Caroline works hard in every task that is given to her. She also worked extra days over the Christmas period to keep the laboratory afloat.

She said: “I’m so pleased to have won and I am very shocked. I couldn’t believe when I found out.

“I want to thank Nicola for nominating me. We have worked together for two years.”

Winner #2- NHS nurse

Our second employee of the week was a wonderful NHS nurse at Kidderminster Hospital & Treatment Centre.

Deepa Raghavan thanked her colleagues, dedicating her award to her department.

She was nominated by colleague Maggie Davies for always putting her patients’ needs first.

Deepa said: “I am really thankful to have won this competition. I would like to dedicate my award to the whole department.

“It is such a fantastic place to work. When I joined here two years ago I felt very welcome.

“Thank you to my lovely colleagues for making every day brilliant”

Winner #3- Heritage Glass salesman, aged 83

Our final employee of the week was a cheery 83-year-old salesman.

Nick Hayhoe has been working at Heritage Glass Limited in Shrewsbury for the past 17 years.

He was nominated by colleague Tony Randall for being a true ambassador of the brand.

Nick said: “I have worked at Heritage Glass for 17 years and I absolutely love working here.

“I am overwhelmed to have won employee of the week and it came as a huge surprise. It was great to have been given our pizzas and I thoroughly enjoy being here.”

MNA Recruitment

The search for the employee of the week may be over, but MNA Recruitment are still promoting their services.

Director of recruitment services Lee Smith said: “MNA Recruitment was delighted to celebrate the achievements of all the employee of the week winners.

“High quality is central to the range of solutions we offer to meet different business needs. The range of entries and winner we had were brilliant.”

MNA Recruitment specialise in fixed price recruitment solutions for businesses within the West Midlands.

We firmly believe that finding the right candidate for your business shouldn’t cost the earth.

We’re proud to offer affordable recruitment solutions to suit your budget. Our experienced team take the time to tailor a package to find your ideal candidate.

MNA Recruitment is part of the Midland News Association, the publisher of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star. With 8 out of 10 businesses successfully recruiting first time, find out how we can help you fill your next vacancy today.