Teenager Kurtis Millward has discovered the recipe for success after landing a job as an apprentice butcher at well-known retailer Newboulds.
The 18-year-old is doing so well in his Apprenticeship training, in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland College, he has been made Acting Manager at the company’s Wellington Square branch in Stockton and is even behind a rise in takings.
Kurtis, from Elmtree in Stockton, said he never imagined he would work as a butcher. However, after completing a car mechanics course and several other training schemes, he was struggling to find work and jumped at the chance to work at the family butchers.
“I was offered a month’s trial and thought I would give it a go,” said Kurtis.
“At first I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I was given a lot of support and after a while it started to come naturally. After a couple of weeks I realised I loved coming to work.
“I don’t think anyone at school ever has an ambition of becoming a butcher, but I can honestly say that I feel as though I’m developing a career now.
“I definitely want to stay at Newboulds, but maybe one day it would be great to have my own shop or even be a regional manager. I feel as though my life is now on track.”
Kurtis is completing a Level 2 Retail Apprenticeship at Redcar & Cleveland College, where he is learning the theory to sit alongside the practical experience he is gaining in knife and cutting skills, display techniques, customer service, health and safety and hygiene.
Newbould’s General Manager Paul Robson said he had been delighted with his progress and maturity.
He added: “We have given Kurtis this shop to manage on a trial basis and he is doing great – the profits are up.
“It’s nice to come across a young man who really wants to learn and make something of himself. He is excellent working on the counter with customers and has shown a real flair for the business. He will go far.”
Mike Elliott, the college’s Work Placement Co-ordinator, said: “Kurtis is a mature and determined young man, with a great work ethic. He has shown real initiative and effort during the past year with Newboulds and has a natural ability for retail and working alongside members of the public.
“When he first left school he struggled to find the right path, but is now well on the way to building a career. He is a real success story.”
For more information about courses, call the college on 01642 473132 or go to www.cleveland.ac.uk