THREE apprentices at a Nottingham blinds supplier are helping to change the way the company works.
Hillarys is creating a new mobile app for its self-employed salesmen and women so they can access immediate information, like quotes.
IT apprentices Joe Parr and Daryl Flowers are on hand whenever any technical difficulties arise.
While fellow apprentice Joe Leeman is working with a team to see how the technology can be improved.
The trio started work in August last year, after Hillarys pledged to take on apprentices as part of the Post's Get Notts Working campaign.
Once again this year we are looking to create more apprenticeships, and are urging firms to follow the lead of companies like Hillarys and take on an apprentice.
Julian Bond, head of IT at the Colwick firm, said the trio, who have nearly completed their Level 3 qualifications, had been a big success.
He said: "They are the first apprentices we have taken on in our department.
"They have worked very closely with the team who have been behind the development of the app we are using.
"It is changing the way we work, and the two Joes and Daryl are playing a big part in that."
Joe Parr, 19, of Carlton, had been doing A-levels at New College Nottingham, before getting the role at Hillarys.
He said: "It's been great. I feel I've had the chance to really get involved in a big project.
"Hopefully I may get a full-time job at Hillarys at the end. But if not I have some really good experience which will help in the job search."
Joe Leeman, 19, of St Ann's, is going on to study a computer science degree at Nottingham Trent University once he has completed his apprenticeship.
He said: "I've had the chance to help with the development of the technology.
"There is a misconception that if you do an apprenticeship you can't go on to university. Well I'm proving that wrong."
The Get Notts Working campaign is looking to create 300 apprenticeships in 100 days.
We are working with the Derbyshire and Notts Chamber of Commerce, the city council, the Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board and the National Apprenticeship Service.
