TWO teenagers have turned their back on university to join the world of work with one of Reigate's fastest-growing companies.
While studying at Reigate College, Sam Freeman and Ayesha Williams decided against going to university because of the debts they would incur and the fact they might still find it hard to get jobs afterwards.
In September, the duo became the first members of a new apprenticeship scheme run by Just Retirement, an insurance firm in Bancroft Road.
Working four-and-a-half days a week in the firm's customer services department, the pair are also working towards an NVQ Level 2 certificate in financial services, with the chance to take up a full-time post when they qualify in 18 months.
Ayesha, 17, said: "A university qualification doesn't guarantee you a job. I wanted to develop more and get a qualification but also go into work.
"You have the opportunity to learn and get the qualification by doing this and hopefully you will have a job at the end.
"You are working towards the opportunity to get a job."
Just Retirement, which specialises in insurance policies for older and retired people, has nearly doubled its staff numbers in the last two years.
After recruiting 200 people in 2012 and with plans to recruit another 100 next year, Steven Lowe, group external affairs director, believes the company's expansion provides an opportunity to help local youngsters by recruiting apprentices alongside experienced staff.
"We are locally based and it is a chance for us to give something back," he told the Mirror.
Jenny Cadman, the company's customer experience manager, added: "We are investing time and effort in Sam and Ayesha.
"You can't buy the practical experience like they are getting."
Ayesha was one year into a psychology course at the Castlefield Road college when she decided to change direction and apply for an apprenticeship to gain work and develop her skills.
For Sam, 18, the cost of university fees and the lack of job opportunities made an apprenticeship the obvious choice.
"I didn't want to go to university," he said. "I didn't want to put myself into debt.
"The benefits here are that even if you leave eventually, you take the skills on."
