A COUNTY Durham TEC Modern Apprentice, Emma Patterson, was all set to continue her career as a hairdresser until she began studying the Key Skills on her course.

She became so interested and confident in the work that she left hairdressing and gained a full-time job at Crampton Sportswear in Stanley, as a Development Assistant.

Emma, aged 20, from Stanley, said: "I enjoyed hairdressing very much, but it was while I was studying for my Hairdressing Modern Apprenticeship at Durham Business Club, that my confidence grew and I began to like working with computers. It then seemed the most natural thing to do to look for a job where I could use these new skills and Crampton has been an ideal opportunity for me."

Modern Apprenticeships were created out of a need by employers to provide young, well motivated people with high quality vocational training to industry standards - at craft, technician and junior management level.

They offer young people a job from day one and the chance to learn Key Skills which employers now require. The Skills include: Using IT, Communication, Application of numbers and Working with other people.

Susan Matthews, from Chester-le-Street based Durham Business Club, which helps to run the Work Based Training for Young People programme, said: "Emma was quite happy in her hairdressing training, however, when she undertook the Key Skills work she suddenly became aware that she had an aptitude for other types of work.

Her new position at Crampton demands a large amount of IT work - sorting samples for designer sportswear - and she has also helped her colleagues in the use of other IT packages. Emma deals with people from countries worldwide, and her training in communication skills has pretty much helped her come into her own."

Crampton Sportswear Ltd, is based in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley and manufactures sportswear for brands. It has been operating since 1982 and employs 145 staff.

Mark Curry, Company Secretary at Crampton, said: "Emma is our first Modern Apprentice. However, in her product development work, she has proved herself to be a quick learner and has progressed very well. Above all she stands out as someone who is keen and enthusiastic. Her Key Skills training has given her the confidence, flair and knowledge to make her an excellent employee."

For further information about Modern Apprenticeships contact County Durham TEC on (01325) 372700