Want to know what The Skills Academy can do for you? Just ask Nathan Watson.

The 18-year-old turned to the learning centre in Billingham after struggling to secure an apprenticeship. Now, just weeks later, he is celebrating success having secured a position with a Middlesbrough solicitors’ firm.

“I’ve been searching for an apprenticeship since leaving college in May last year,” he said. “Youth Direction pointed me to The Skills Academy.”

Offering a range of introductory courses, help with job applications and employability skills, the Academy was able to offer Nathan some handy pointers when it comes to the application process. He was also given the chance to carry out a work placement.

Six weeks later and about to start work as a Business Administration apprentice, he said: “Having some experience certainly made a difference. I felt a lot more confident and the placement gave me relevant experience to put on my CV.”

Working on the front counter at The Skills Academy Nathan picked up some great transferable skills including customer service, administration, answering the phone and data inputting.

Of the work placement he said: “I was nervous at first but once I got started and met the staff and students I found that I really enjoyed it.”

Looking forward to starting work in a solicitors’ firm he said: “It isn’t an area I had considered working in before but now I’m excited and can’t wait to get started. I definitely want to learn more about the sector.”