COMPCO Fire Systems, one of the largest privately owned fire engineering companies in the UK, is the latest big name sign up to the 100 in 100 apprentices campaign.

Backed by the Worcester News, the employment initiative was set up to get 100 Worcestershire companies to take on new apprentices within 100 days.

With more than 20 years experience, Compco has the expertise and resources required to meet the needs of clients and projects of any scale. It has its head office in Malvern Road, Worcester, plus regional offices in London, Scotland, Leeds and Devon with 230 staff employed across the five locations.

The apprenticeship programme is important to Compco and the company has been working with the Worcestershire Group Train-ing Association for more than seven years. It currently supports seven business administration apprentices.  Managing director John Sinclair has been so pleased with the quality of trainees that Compco is now looking to support new engineering apprentices as well.

Zoe Rousell, the firm’s HR manager and an ex-apprentice herself, said: “Young people can make a real difference to the productivity and profitability of our business. They learn both practical and theoretical skills in their chosen field and bring a fresh perspective and outlook to company culture.”

An apprentice with Compco is Ryan Jelfs, aged 18, who studied at Blessed Edward Oldcorne High School, Worcester, and works at the company’s head office.

Ryan joined Compco at the age of 16. Shortly after leaving school, he contacted the Worcestershire Group Train-ing Association, which was very impressed by his enthusiasm and positivity towards the programme. Ryan joined the service department in November 2009 as an apprentice and has successfully completed his NVQ levels two and three in business and administration. He has since won a special achievement award for his attitude to work at Compco and in the WGTA training centre.

“I feel I have been handed a great opportunity with my apprenticeship placement, especially due to the current economic climate,” he said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Compco and am grateful for all the help I have received from employers and WGTA staff.

“I believe an apprenticeship programme is a great way to learn while gaining experience.”