MP praises firm's apprentices

TRAINEES at Centre Park-based Optionis put their presentation skills to the test during a Dragons’ Den-style event held to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
The challenge involved 27 apprentices being divided into three teams and tasked with creating a video or presentation outlining the benefits of embarking on an apprenticeship with the company.
The presentations were judged by a panel of ‘dragons’ including Warrington South MP David Mowat and Optionis chief executive Rob Crossland, with each member of the winning team being treated to a goodie bag containing prizes.
In addition, 19-year-old human resources (HR) trainee Beth Monks won the company’s inaugural, individual ‘Optionis Apprentice of the Year’ award – receiving a £100 shopping voucher and a commemorative plaque.
Speaking at the close of the event, Mr Mowat hailed the enthusiasm, creativity and confidence on display.
He told the gathered apprentices: “The ability to speak confidently in public, and build a rapport with your audience, will be increasingly important as you progress in your career.
“You are all winners today because you have had the opportunity to speak in public, and you have seized that opportunity and done incredibly well.
“I have been extremely impressed with the standard of the presentations I have seen today, and I have no doubt that you will all be successful in your careers here at Optionis.
“You should all be extremely proud of yourselves.”
Optionis employs around 250 staff across sites in Warrington, Greater Manchester, London, Poole and Dorchester. That number is expected to reach 350 by March 2016.
Pictured: Optionis Apprentice of the Year, Beth Monks, with Optionis chief executive Rob Crossland (left) and David Mowat MP (right).