Stacey Dickinson 20, from Newton Aycliffe and Tom Staples 18 from Bishop Auckland started their apprenticeships with rpmi in 2009. The company have their head office in Darlington where they employ over 250 people, administering pension schemes on behalf of 200 clients and looking after 500,000 pension scheme members.
When Stacey first left school she went into retail and Tom went to study A levels, but neither enjoyed their choices and decided to find out about apprenticeships. They applied to Bishop Auckland College to do an apprenticeship course and were successful in being taken on by rpmi. Both agree that doing an apprenticeship was the correct choice for them as apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that combine on the job training with theoretical knowledge to gain a nationally recognised qualification… plus you get paid.
Asked about working for rpmi, Stacey said “We have both learned so much; received the best training and everyone has been very supportive”. Tom added “There are also future opportunities for us both within the company as it continues to grow and win more new business”. Stacey and Tom, with the help from the company now plan to study for further and higher qualifications.
Alison Skingley from rpmi’s Human Resources Team said “At rpmi, our people are at the heart of all we do and we recognise that they are our greatest asset. Stacey and Tom are very motivated and keen to learn. Because of our past experiences in employing apprentices, we will be supporting Bishop Auckland College’s promotion of the NAS 100 apprentices in 100 days campaign and be looking to take on another apprentice”
If you are an employer looking to take on an apprentice please contact Bishop Auckland College’s Skills & Enterprise Centre on 01388 825823 or email
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