A YOUNG engineer is being given the chance to forge a career for life at one of the country’s leading mailing firms.
Lee Johnson has been awarded a three year apprenticeship with MetroMail after impressing the Seaham-based company with his work attitude and desire to learn.
Lee, who lives in Sunderland, qualified as a Level Three engineer at Sunderland College and started applying for engineering roles around the region.
However, because he is qualified beyond the level that the Government will support with funding, many companies were reluctant to employ him.
Lee, who is now working under the guidance of supervisor Phil Cockroft, said: “After leaving college I tried everything I could to find a job but nobody would give me an opportunity to prove myself.
“When I saw the position with MetroMail I applied straight away as I knew they were a really good company to work for.
“I was over the moon to get an interview and even happier when I was offered the apprenticeship. The people I work with are brilliant and I can see myself being here for a long time provided I pass my apprenticeship first, which I’m determined to do.”
MetroMail’s Managing Director Alan Purvis is committed to attracting the best people into his business and knew that Lee was the right candidate for the engineering apprenticeship.
Alan, who himself began his career as an apprentice in Sunderland, said: “We want to bring the best employees into our company and that includes investing in young talent.
“When we decided to recruit an engineering apprentice we agreed we wanted someone who knows the industry and wants to enjoy their time here. That’s crucial as to get the best out of someone they need to want to come to work.
“I interviewed Lee and I was impressed straight away with his fantastic attitude to work and the amount of desire he had to get the job.
“I am looking forward to seeing him develop over the coming years of his apprenticeship and beyond.”
Lee, 19, is now learning the ropes in all areas of the business and is gaining an understanding of how MetroMail’s machinery works to service their national clients.
Lee, who admitted the prospect of being interviewed by the man at the helm of MetroMail was a daunting one, added: “I am determined to take full advantage of this opportunity and showing Alan he was right to put his faith in me.”
MetroMail was founded more than 25 years ago and in 2010 moved from its base in Peterlee to a 140,000 sq ft facility in Seaham, marking a significant expansion for the company and millions of pounds of investment in the latest industry technology.
It provides services including mailing, laser printing, poly wrapping and data management to clients across a diverse range of sectors, particularly mail order and financial services. MetroMail handles up to one million pieces of mail every day.
