AN accountant is counting on apprenticeships to help him keep his growing business in the family.

Rob Winder, who owns Abacus 164 Ltd in Walkergate, always dreamed of bringing his son, Michael, into the business.

He had been considering taking on an additional member of staff and realised that he could help his son get a foot on the career ladder and offer him training and development through the apprenticeship scheme.

Michael, 17, from Wallsend, started helping out in the office after realising that the Construction Management course he was studying was not for him. He soon found that he enjoyed accountancy and so he and his father discussed appointing him in a full-time role as an apprentice accounting technician.

After reading about the 100 Days of Apprenticeships campaign in the Journal, Rob contacted Newcastle College who outlined the simple processes involved with apprenticeship recruitment. The flexible nature of the Apprenticeship ensured that his son’s learning and development could be tailored to meet the requirements of the business.

Rob said: “When I first started Abacus, my son was only 10 years old, but I always hoped that one day we would work together.

“There are so few opportunities for young people today as many companies are looking for experience. Apprenticeships really do offer the best of both worlds.

“I can work with Michael and train him in all aspects of the business while supporting him in gaining a nationally recognised qualification through Newcastle College.”

Barbara King, director of the school of health and enterprise at Newcastle College, said: “Employers come to us all the time with very specialist training requirements.

“Through the Apprenticeship programme, Rob is able to train his son in the family business, while ensuring that he has access to professional training and development.”