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A Newport teenager isÌýbenefittingÌýfrom vocational training on offer with a Cardiff business.

Hannah Needs, 19, from Newport, is currently undertaking a Level 1 Pre-Apprenticeship programme with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and The Stitching Boutique.ÌýTamzinÌýFord, owner of The Stitching Boutique in Cardiff, is no stranger to vocational training after getting her foot on the career ladder back in 1990 with anÌýNVQÌýwhich was, and still is, a well-tested pattern to get into work.

TamzinÌýis now leading the way for other small businesses, proving how vocational qualifications can benefit both the business and the individual.

After completing anÌýNVQÌý(a qualification which is now calledÌýQCF) with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Training more than 26 years ago,ÌýTamzinÌýremembers how valuable her qualification was and how it set her up for working life.

As a result, she now has two young learners, including Hannah, supporting her at The Stitching Boutique.

By partnering with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, Wales’ leading training provider,ÌýTamzinÌýhas taken learners under her wing, providing them with vital work experience within the interior design industry.

Hannah said: “After college, I knew that it was essential to get some work experience under my belt, which is why I started at ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. They have provided me with a huge amount ofÌýemployabilityÌýtraining and also matched me up with The Stitching Boutique. I know that this has given me the edge compared to my peers and it has definitely kick-started my career in the fashion industry.

“TamzinÌýhas been amazing and I have had the opportunity to make a variety of things, including interior items and a weddingÌýfascinator.”

Hannah will be going to college to study a diploma in fashion in September.

Vocational training is something which is deeply embedded inÌýTamzin’sÌýbusiness.

Not only are trainees part of her recruitment strategy to help fill her skills gap in an affordable and sustainable way,ÌýTamzinÌýalso continues to up skill herself with Leadership and Management Level 5 qualification, ensuring that she remains at the top of her game.

TamzinÌýis a true vocational training ambassador, so much so that she encouraged her son Ellis to follow in her footsteps by signposting him to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ when he left school. Ellis Ford completed aÌýTraineeshipÌýat ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in 2015 and is currently looking for an Apprenticeship opportunity.ÂÌý

TamzinÌýsaid: “It’s so important to stay current in business. It’s really competitive and cut throat and the only way you are going to be current is through constantlyÌýupskillingÌýyourself andÌýupskillingÌýand investing in your team.

“I also think it is vitally important for young people to learn through experience, that is how I did it back when I was 17 and I am thrilled that my business can support young people like Hannah.

“Vocational qualifications are becoming increasingly popular for small companies like mine across a range of sectors, including interior design. It’s not just those sectors who you traditionally associate with apprenticeship programmes. There are hundreds out there.”

AndrewÌýCooksley, managing director of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, said: “I am incredibly proud ofÌýTamzin’sÌýsuccess and that fact that she continues to work with us. She is an example of someone who has harnessed vocational achievements and progression to start up a business.

“I am also thrilled that she is also supporting us in our mission to support young people by providing outstanding learning opportunities and work experience for our learners.”