Mahmoud shows talent at college

Mahmoud Farag at work at Hopwood Hall College

For Mahmoud Farag, 25, from Heywood, an apprenticeship has allowed him to move from volunteering at a charity shop to working in a busy office learning new skills and providing a career progression path.

Mahmoud is a management information systems (MIS) apprentice at Hopwood Hall College. A position he heard about having been told about apprenticeships by his Groundwork employment advisor.

His role involves a wide range of activities, from answering queries to solving technical problems and delivering a high standard of customer service. It’s very different to his volunteering work and something that he really enjoys doing.

Mahmoud explains: “Becoming an apprentice at the College has allowed me to expand my IT skills and learn how to communicate more effectively. My job has included, for example, learning about MS Office Suite and databases but also how to problem solve and work in a team. I also feel more confident now that I have the skills needed to progress my career.”

Commenting on the role apprenticeships play, John Dawson, MIS Manager at Hopwood Hall College said: “Apprenticeships are investments for the future. They help change lives by creating a pathway into otherwise impenetrable, highly competitive job markets.

"Mahmoud has really engaged with the technical work and the customer service skills needed in the role and is a great example of how apprenticeships can help people discover their potential.”

Mahmoud now plans to continue his studies to help him develop his skills and his career opportunities.