KNUTSFORD-based organisation Brookfield Rose, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2015 this week.

Running from March 9 to 13, National Apprenticeship Week celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

Award-winning entrepreneur Matthew Sanders, chief executive of the Brookfield Rose group, has been employing apprentices for a number of years and will be welcoming another two to join his group, on the first day of the national scheme.

Jordan Patmore will join the group as an operations apprentice and Alice Nuttall will start her new role as a client services apprentice.

Both roles will support the group’s various account management teams, working with a number of clients for the organisation’s de Poel brands.

Rebecca Gallagher joined the Brookfield Rose group last December as a human resources apprentice and described how she has found the role so far.

“I have been with the group for three months now and I am loving working here," she said.

“I discovered the apprenticeship with Damar Training listed on the National Apprenticeship website and my role is to support the Group Head of HR, across all of the different businesses.

"Every day is different and I get involved in everything from recruitment and dealing with HR queries to organising internal development.

"Before starting at Brookfield Rose I was at The Whitby High School Sixth Form studying A Levels and looking for a way to join a successful business to further my skills. I think more organisations should be encouraged to take on apprentices, as it really has opened up the door for me; my first step to a successful career in HR.”

Matthew Sanders added: "Part of our business is based in a converted barn on a working farm and these unusual premises always have extra resonance when we take on another apprentice.

"I like to think that we grow talent on our part of the farm and in turn we reap what we sow. All of our apprentices have made a fantastic contribution to our businesses and are highly valued members of the team.

"I would implore more businesses to invest in the apprenticeship scheme and equally, more young people to consider the apprenticeship route as a viable alternative to University.”