JUST six months after taking on its first apprentice, one Gloucestershire firm is creating three new roles.

Stratton Annette's, part of the Stratton Group, is a financial advisory firm based in Maisemore.

Working with Gloucestershire College, they took on Tania Holder as a level two business administration apprentice in April.

She proved such a success in the role, she has completed the apprenticeship early, moving on to the advanced apprenticeship in business administration.

She has also been promoted at work and will also be taking extra vocational qualifications in addition to her apprenticeship.

With Tania's promotion, the company was looking to replace the office junior role and once again asked Gloucestershire College to find new candidates.

In the end, three new apprenticeship positions were created, with the new starters beginning about three weeks ago. They are Justine Dowdeswell, 18, Hannah Richards, 18, and Natalie Bonser, 17.

The company's business development manager Hayley Kear said: "We heard about the campaign and we thought it would be a good idea.

"We spoke with Gloucestershire College and they interviewed candidates, sending them to us. Eventually we went with Tania and, as expected, she was fantastic.

"We were looking for two more apprentices, and asked the college to help once more. It has been a fantastic support for us, and it is so rewarding."

David Vernon, training coordinator as Gloucestershire College, said: "Stratton Annette's are a very supportive organisation and are looking to invest time and resources in the training and development of good quality staff.

■ The Citizen, along with our sister newspaper the Gloucestershire Echo, and Gloucestershire College, unveiled its 100inONEHUNDRED campaign in March.

It was an overwhelming success, with 123 new apprenticeships started – far more than the 100 apprentice target.

To sign up, call Michelle Louth on 01452 563 216 or email michelle.louth@gloscol.ac.uk.