ntl:Telewest Business, part of the Virgin Media Group, is investing in the future of telecoms in Scotland and Yorkshire, as 29 apprentices hired from its maiden graduate recruitment scheme pass the first hurdles on the path to becoming sales and business professionals.

ntl:Telewest Business decided to recruit at graduate level to secure a new generation of highly skilled young salespeople able to offer businesses expert advice as to which complex communications services best meet their needs. To do this it devised a fast-track apprenticeship programme designed to provide graduates with a formal path into a long-term career in the business that was initially rolled out in Yorkshire and Scotland.

In Yorkshire, a rigorous assessment day at Sheffield’s Don Valley stadium saw 65 hopefuls whittled down to 14 successful candidates. While in Scotland, a similar recruitment event at the Crowne Plaza hotel attracted 55 applicants, 15 of which were offered places in the graduate recruitment scheme.

Having completed initial rotations in business disciplines such as telesales and telemarketing, ntl:Telewest Business’ graduate professionals will now spend the rest of their training time in other departments before getting the opportunity to move into field or face-to-face sales.

“Especially in challenging times it’s vital to take action to attract the brightest talent to a business, as these are the people who will ensure its long-term future,” said ntl:Telewest Business’s Lee Hull, who led the recruitment programme. “We realised that the leaders of tomorrow are naturally attracted to opportunities that offer clear paths for career progression so invested in a structured programme to deliver just that.”

Lee Hull concluded: “We’re delighted to welcome the new recruits to ntl:Telewest Business, and look forward to seeing their skills grow and careers develop over the years and months to come.”

Pareto Law and Sales Recruitment organised the recruitment day and helped identify the talent. The firm also provides the graduates continued supported, offering two day courses in training and development, account management, sales negotiation.