Young apprentice celebrates winning top job

Aug 5 2010 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail

MATTHEW Atkins is celebrating after landing his dream ticket – a top job with the region’s transport body.

He was one of 12 young people bidding for a year-long post with Centro during a four-week work experience stint organised by the Prince’s Trust.

The 22-year-old from Erdington admits that hope was running out after being unemployed for a year.

But he has made the journey from the dole queue to a post at the body’s Birmingham HQ after winning a month-long The Apprentice-style challenge.

“I couldn’t believe it when they said my name,” said Matthew.

“This was my first placement with the Prince’s Trust and I was just hoping to get some experience and improve my CV.

“It has been a fantastic four weeks because we have been given much more responsibility than I imagined and my confidence has really grown.