Business and its apprentices inspire others

OD Projects, based in the village of Frolesworth near Lutterworth, was able to take on its first apprentice – who now has a full time role – thanks to an apprenticeships grant offered by Harborough District Council.

OD Projects, a Construction, Refurbishment & Fit-Out Contractor, has since taken on two more apprentices to grow the business, and is encouraging others to take advantage of the support available.

On Friday, the apprentices Jacob Stewart (20), Leo Blain (19) and Tom Franklin (18) shared some of their experiences with the Leader of Harborough District Council Neil Bannister.

They also met two of Harborough District Council’s apprentices Ryan Finnegan and Megan Smith who have recently been employed by the council in full time posts.

James Cooper, Business Director at OD Projects, said: “As a business we have benefited hugely from the apprenticeship scheme as it has enabled us to provide three separate departments in the company with support. Young people can bring different aspects to problem solving within a team and we have seen a positive impact on our business as a result of them being with us.”

Cllr Bannister said: “It was great to meet these young apprentices who are clearly thriving in their roles. I am delighted the council has been able to assist this business, through the apprenticeships grant, and I encourage other businesses to explore if they could also benefit.”

Tom Franklin, OD Projects apprentice, said: “This opportunity has helped us get a foothold in the world of work. It’s great that OD Projects is bringing in new talent through the apprenticeship scheme and developing skills to benefit the business and us as individuals.”

Businesses in the Harborough district can apply for grants of up to £750 to encourage apprenticeships. Funding for these grants is finite and grants will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

To be eligible to receive the grant the:

• Business must be located in Harborough district
• Apprentices must be residents in Harborough district
• Business must have less than 150 employees
• Business must not have taken on an apprentice in the last 2 years (there may be flexibility on this dependent on circumstances)

Apply for the Harborough business grant for apprenticeships on the council’s website.

Pictured: (l-r) Cllr Neil Bannister, OD Projects apprentices Jacob Stewart and Leo Blain, former HDC apprentices Ryan Finnegan and Megan Smith, and OD Projects apprentice Tom Franklin