A guest post from Judith Skorupski of YourCU

Former Fulham sixth form student Hicham Tahiri has been given the chance to train in business administration as part of a pioneering new
placement with a West London-based credit union.

Hicham will spend six months at YourCU and a further six months at a local tenant management organisation. He receive an apprentice wage
and work towards a national-recognised qualification.

The 20-year-old, who studied at William Morris Sixth Form College in St Dunstans Road, will learn skills including marketing, accounting and customer support, supported by senior management staff.

“This is a hugely exciting for us,” said William Rhodes, CEO of YourCu. “Credit unions are all about a community working together to help and support each other to thrive and prosper.

“It will give the apprentices the chance to see first-hand how a business is run and to develop skills along the way – including face to face contact with clients and helping run out outreach pop-up sessions – while earning a real salary.”

Hicham, who lives in Portobello, says he is enjoying every minute of his placement at YourCU.

“The job is so interesting and varied. I didn’t know what to expect before I started, but I’m amazed at how interesting and varied it is. I’m learning new things all the time.

“No day is the same. I could be helping run a pop up at a local community centre, or at one of the Barclays branches we work with, or else helping the union increase its social media presence.

“I meet so many different kinds of people. You never know who is going to walk through the doors here! I’ve learnt so much in such a short time. I used to work in retail and this opportunity is so much better.”

According to the Government’s Apprenticeship programme 85 per cent of apprentices will stay in employment, with 64 per cent staying with the same employer.

Around 375 credit unions across England, Scotland and Wales employ more than 1,500 staff.