Ladder for the Black Country: Historic horse grooming firm takes on apprentice

Stefan Marks, aged 19 and from Great Barr, has started his Level 2 craftsperson apprenticeship at Vale Brothers, the horse brush specialist that was formed in 1786.

The appointment came after Stefan successfully completed a Skills Support for the Unemployed programme at the Leather Skills Centre in Walsall, run by PTP Training, part of the Oldbury-based BCTG Group.

Stefan said: “I originally saw and applied for the apprenticeship online but didn’t get it because I didn’t have the relevant experience.

“As a result of that, PTP Training got in touch with me and asked me to join the employment skills course at the Leather Skills Centre, which proved to be really good.

“I learned a lot about the basic skills, and it definitely prepared me for what I was going to be doing.

“I then had a placement at Vale Brothers which went well and now I’ve started this training position to complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, which is great.”

Keen

Sean Jeffs, factory manager at Vale Brothers, said: “When Stefan came on a work placement with us, we were impressed with his performance.

“He seemed to have an old head on young shoulders, resulting in a really keen attitude to wanting a career as a craftsperson.

“We were also pleased with the background employment training that he’d gained from PTP’s apprenticeships team, and were delighted to offer him a training position.”

Jess Abraham, one of the PTP tutors at the Leather Skills Centre, said: “As soon as we met Stefan, it was obvious how keen he was to get the eventual craftsperson apprenticeship.

“He was a real pleasure to have on the course and we’re thrilled at how well he is now doing at Vale Brothers.”

PTP Training offer a range of courses available at the Walsall Leather Skills Centre, where apprenticeships and traineeships funding is available through Government initiatives. The centre is supported by the Saddlers Company Charitable fund.