Four young people have gained invaluable on-the-job training with AKW, a market leader in independent living solutions based in Droitwich Spa, Worcester, and parent company DLP Ltd, located in the Isle of Man.
The training is part of a new skills development scheme, offering an indispensable insight into how the company operates by placing young people in a range of departments, demonstrating the work that goes into creating a successful business.
Lina Rhode, a 24-year-old student from Germany, undertook a three-week post at AKW as part of her undergraduate degree at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, in addition to Will Barnes, a 15-year-old from Alcester High School, who completed a one-week placement at the company. Both students received the chance to work in AKW’s busy and vibrant marketing and sales departments.
Situated in the Isle of Man, DLP Ltd is collaborating with the STEP scheme, a highly-acclaimed programme supported by the government’s Department of Economic Development since 1998. Sabrina Ruston, currently studying international relations at the University of Birmingham, joins the IT team for the summer to help implement a new technology upgrade, while David Walsh, who has just completed his second year in advertising and brand management at Manchester Metropolitan University, will assist in delivering an initiative to introduce retail packaging to a new range of products.
Joanna Marston, Marketing Manager of AKW, commented: “In today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, gaining a broad range of practical skills and learning about the day-to-day operations of a busy and exciting business is seen as absolutely essential. For these reasons, we have created a carefully managed and varied work placement scheme to help young people obtain those all-important skills.
“From the fast-paced environment of the marketing department, to meeting customers with our sales division, the placements offer a well-rounded and balanced insight into what we do. We have enjoyed having all four young individuals with us and hope they have found the experience rewarding.”
