A former supermarket sales assistant has checked out a new career, bagging a permanent role with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) after successfully completing a two-year apprenticeship. Beth Rutherford, 21, has been offered a permanent job with ADSA as training and education coordinator. She is from Tamworth, in Staffordshire, and completed a Highfield Level Two Diploma in business administration.
ADSA opened doors for Beth when she was appointed as trainee administrator at its head office in December 2019. As a leading exponent of apprenticeships, the association supported Beth to pursue her career aspirations, facilitating an apprenticeship through South Staffordshire College. The course provided academic learning with paid employment and on-the-job learning.
Beth joins a family business: her father, Steve, has also worked in the entrance solutions industry for over 20 years, and is now spearheading the Powered Pedestrian Door Technician Apprenticeship as course practitioner at South Staffs College. Ken Price, the ADSA’s managing director, said: “Beth has thrived during her time with us.
He continued: “Her confidence has increased and she is now extremely proficient. She has developed a real understanding of our members’ training needs, and efficiently helps administer card renewals, NVQ registrations and ADSA standards training cards, and certification.
“In addition, Beth has taken on responsibility for our social media engagement, and has helped grow our LinkedIn presence to 1,800 followers. She is fast becoming a key member of the team, and we are delighted to offer her a permanent role.”
Much of Beth’s apprenticeship coincided with the Covid pandemic. The emphasis on the learner to evidence their understanding and practical application within the programme meant that the demands were intensive, according to Beth, who added: “I am thrilled to be offered this wonderful opportunity. ADSA is such a progressive organisation and is constantly introducing new initiatives to professionalise our industry. It is keen to embrace new ways of doing things. This means that there is always something new to learn, which in turn, makes the job so enjoyable.”
