Job joy for Barnsley apprentice Molly

Molly May Charlesworth impressed bosses at Magna so much during her year there as an apprentice, that she has been offered a new full-time role as sales co-ordinator at the busy venue in Rotherham.

The delighted teenager is keen to impress on other young people considering apprenticeships, that such a route can, and often does lead to employment and a career of choice.

Demand for events at Magna is always on the increase, and Molly will be responsible for helping with enquiries.

These pour in from people wishing to hire space for meetings, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, conventions, concerts and weddings.

Molly completed an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration at Magna, while studying with RNN Training, which is part of the RNN Group formed from a merger between Rotherham and North Notts Colleges.

A former pupil at Horizon Community College in Barnsley, she said: “The hands-on experience I have gained at Magna over the last year has been fantastic.

“I’m excited to now take on more responsibility in this permanent role.

“I’ve always been keen to challenge the myth that apprentices are cheap labour, or people who fail their exams .

“ Now I’m living proof that apprenticeships can lead to really good things.”

She continued: “I’m very grateful to the team at Magna for mentoring me and for giving me this great opportunity.”

As well as organising its own high profile events, that include Oktoberfest, The Yorkshire Wedding Fayre and South Yorkshire in Business, Magna hosts corporate events for top name brands including thos e of Mercedes, Royal Mail, Kia Motors and HSBC.

John Silker, chief executive at Magna, said: “It’s been a great year so far for events at Magna, and as demand continues, we’re sure that Molly will be an integral part of the team.

“Her work ethic is second to none, and I’m pleased we are able to take her on as a full time employee following her time with us as an apprentice.”

Magna currently has five apprentices who are all working towards qualifications, in business administration, corporate events, electrics, technics and maintenance.

Charlie Grayson, Business Development Manager at RNN Training, said: “It’s great to see Magna investing in home-grown talent and supporting young people in the region.

“We’re proud to work with them to place our students in to apprenticeships.

“Molly May is another success story and we wish her all the best in her new role.”

Magna, which is housed in the former Templeborough steelworks near junction 34 of the M1, is an award-winning visitor attraction and hosts regular school visits for parties of all sizes.

Along with being a spacious events venue, it is a science centre with unique learning opportunities.

Pupils can go there to explore and discover science, technology, design and industrial history in a unique, safe and hands-on environment.

There have been a number of specialised STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) based events and activities held at magna, that have been attended by schools and colleges from all over the region.

Thisis part of a movement to help young people realise the opportunities that are available inthese subjects, and to encourage them to further study. More girls are becoming interested as a result.