Two apprentices at a Carlisle financial planners and mortgage advisers have achieved the top marks in their course.
Holly Fears and Ellis Watret completed level 3 business administration apprenticeships with Carlisle College while working full-time for Stan Sherlock Associates.
Ellis joined the firm aged 18 and progressed through roles on reception and within the firm’s Yorkshire Building Society branch and now holds an integral business support role within the mortgage advice team.
Ellis said: ‘My job is really interesting, and it’s been great to gain a relevant qualification while also earning a salary and gaining the skills and experience that will benefit my long-term career.
“I’ve gained so much knowledge about the financial services sector, business more generally and developed important life skills.”
Holly was also new to the financial services world when she joined the firm.
She has developed her skills and experience to manage the front desk and look after Yorkshire Building Society customers.
The firm said Holly revealed a talent for managing systems, and proved invaluable in streamlining the firm’s operations and developing more efficient IT processes.
Holly said: “Working with the experienced Stan Sherlock Associates team has been amazing.
“I’ve welcomed the opportunity to improve our systems and processes and it’s been fantastic to see how my work has benefited our team and our clients.”
Emma Sherlock, chief operating officer, said: “I’m delighted Holly and Ellis’s hard work has been recognised by achieving a distinction in their qualification.
“Both women are assets to our team.”
