Taylor & Francis unveils new apprenticeship scheme

Taylor & Francis has launched its first apprenticeship programme aimed at "helping the next generation start their career in the publishing sector".

The newly unveiled scheme offers anyone over the age of 16 the chance to obtain an Apprenticeship Qualification, while gaining occupational experience in the various roles available at the international academic publisher's office in Milton Park, Oxfordshire, its UK headquarters.

Designed to champion diversity, provide training opportunities for a wide range of people and create leaders of the future, the scheme is a first for the organisation. T&F said the scheme is aimed at "helping the next generation start their career in the publishing sector". It launched welcoming five new recruits, one of whom was Emily Maughan (pictured, second left), from nearby Chilton.

Maughan said: "I finished my A Levels, was working in a customer-facing role and looking for a suitable apprenticeship scheme as I didn’t feel university was the right path for me. When I saw the opportunity at Taylor & Francis I knew it would be something that I’d love to do, and fortunately it did not require me to have a degree like many other schemes I’ve seen.

"One of the benefits of the Apprentice Scheme is that I have been able to learn a lot of new skills, especially on programmes such as Microsoft Excel, and I have met a lot of new people. I work full-time hours and as part of my working week I complete a Level 3 Business Admin Apprenticeship course. I am finding it to be a really valuable experience and I’m looking forward to continuing a career in publishing."

The 19-year-old has joined T&F’s Open Access department where she helps provide quick responses to authors with queries around publishing their articles as Open Access.

Charlotte Wise, apprenticeship co-ordinator at T&F said: "Taylor & Francis is committed to investing in both new and developing talent across the business. Introducing apprenticeships enables us to offer tailored training, ensuring specially-qualified employees bring fresh perspective to the work environment. We are able to develop mentoring skills in existing staff and encourage increased diversity across departments and teams. We are therefore delighted to welcome our first ever cohort of apprentices into our Milton Park offices."

Apprenticeship contracts run for a minimum of 12 months. For further information, email charlotte.wise@tandf.co.uk or email taylorandfrancis.com/careers/.