Apprenticeship accolade for Uden Sales and Lettings

Uden Sales & Lettings, the Brighton property agency, is receiving regional recognition for its commitment to apprenticeships delivered by City College Brighton and Hove under partner James Mortimer, having been announced a finalist in the South Central Apprenticeship Awards 2012 which are to be judged next month. The long-established agency, based in Seven Dials, won its first local apprenticeship award last year, when it joined the ranks of larger employers such as American Express in being awarded Outstanding Employer Contribution by City College, but is this year finding itself on a regional – and possibly national – stage.

James Mortimer comments: "I think the reason we’re winning such recognition is that we’re not only committed to helping young people become apprentices but also to advancing their careers. We want to take on young people at the start of their working lives and give them a very real opportunity, not just for employment but for advancement through the company."

The prime example of Mortimer's approach is Jazzie Latunji, who was taken on as an apprentice two years ago after applying through City College. "We’ve helped Jazzie to become a real asset to the business," says Mortimer, "and also provided the tools to promote his future. He started by learning basic admin skills but then we fast-tracked him. He's now studying business management and we’re helping him in a very practical, home-grown way to become a business manager."

Mortimer has established a close working relationship between Uden Sales & Lettings and City College. "As well as working with Jazzie, we're also a general supporter of the concept of apprenticeships," continues Mortimer. "We work closely with the apprentice staff at City College and try to support their apprenticeship events wherever possible. The more we can help apprentices to find positions with Brighton businesses, the better it is for the city’s young people, as well as the businesses they join."

In fact, it was the relationship with City College that led to Uden's position as an Apprenticeship Awards finalist. "We were pleasantly surprised by our City College award last year and then it was the college that recommended we should try for the national awards. So we entered but thought little more about it until suddenly we found ourselves through to the second round and then, not long afterwards, heard the company was a finalist."

Sarah Easy, City College’s Employer Engagement Leader, says: “We’re delighted to see Uden get this kind of recognition which they so clearly deserve. The College has found them to be an exemplary employer to work with when it comes to delivering apprenticeships.”

If you’re a local employer interested in taking on an apprentice, contact Sarah Easy on 01273 667788 x 617 or email SEA@ccb.ac.uk

For City College media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk

Photo: (left to right) James Mortimer, Sarah Easy and Jazzie Latunji