Firm hires 16 new apprentices

A leading local businessman is backing Oldham Council’s “big target” pledge of 2,015 employment opportunities for Oldham residents by 2015 — and has put his money where his mouth is by hiring 16 new apprentices.

Craig Dean, Oldham president of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and chief executive of Oldham-based Web Applications UK, is a strong supporter of the local authority’s “Get Oldham Working” campaign.

He said: “We have one of the most highly accredited software development teams in the country and we firmly believe our apprenticeship scheme provides a vital step in their future. They will achieve a range of industry-recognised certifications, training and lots of experience in an industry which is quite difficult to get into. But if they work hard and show hunger it will give them the best possible chance to gain employment with us.”

Mr Dean was at this year’s One Oldham Business Awards, at which Get Oldham Working was launched with a £1 million donation by Norman Stoller CBE.

Businesses can express interest by filling in a pledge card online at www.oldham.gov.uk/get_oldham_working or by emailing employability@oldham.gov.uk