THE UK’s largest business park has turned to apprenticeships to strengthen its workforce.

Cobalt Park, in North Tyneside, has opened its doors to a young apprentice who will form a valuable part of the support team to the world-leading businesses based on site, in exchange for business experience with some of the world’s leading companies.

Sixteen-year-old Tyler Patrick joins Cobalt as marketing and administrative assistant, having fought off tough competition. She was appointed through the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) apprenticeship programme.

Lynn Cramman, travel and community co-ordinator at Cobalt, said: “Tyler is a valuable addition to our team. Her enthusiasm really won us over – she brings fresh ideas and will be key in helping drive even more community activities and involvement at Cobalt.

Patricia Wilkinson, director of training and skills development at NECC, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of addressing key business needs, and recruiting a highly skilled workforce that can be moulded to each company’s own individual needs.

“Businesses are increasingly seeing the very real benefits of apprentices. They not only benefit from a cost-effective means of improving skills, but also from a more loyal and productive workforce.”

To find out more about the range of apprenticeship training opportunities available and how to recruit apprentices for your business visit www.necc.co.uk/apprenticeships or call 0300 303 6322.