An apprentice from Newcastle-under-Lyme is celebrating after being promoted to a permanent role at Staffordshire-based business consultancy Strategi Solutions.

Joshua Cooper, aged 19 from Newcastle, has been working as a Finance Apprentice at Strategi while completing an Accounting apprenticeship with Newcastle College, and has now been promoted to Business Analyst.

Doing an apprenticeship meant that Josh was able to gain first-hand experience in a business whilst studying towards Level 2 and 3 AAT Accounting qualifications. This has meant that since joining Strategi in August 2019, Josh has had experience across all areas of the business, finding his feet in business analytics and now progressing into a full-time Business Analyst role.

Josh, a former student of Alleynes High School in Stone, believes that the apprenticeship route was a great choice for him over going to university.

He said, “Doing an apprenticeship has been a great decision. I’ve been able to get qualified, gain real life experience and earn money while doing so.

“It’s fantastic that my hard work has paid off and I’ve now been offered a permanent role as a Business Analyst. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow as the company expands and contributing to its continued success.”

Josh’s success is being celebrated during National Apprenticeship Week, which is running from February 8 -14, 2021.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 is “Build the Future” and encourages everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to build a workforce with future ready skills.

Wendy Dean, CEO at Strategi, said, “Since Josh joined Strategi a year and a half ago, he has made great progress, completing his apprenticeship, and gaining a promotion to a new role.

His success is a credit to his hard work, and his contribution makes a real difference to the team, and the company. Congratulations Josh – the future is looking bright!”