Ingredients supplier Edme has appointed a teenage apprentice.

Phoebe Archer joined the business’ finance team in July after completing her GCSEs.

The 16-year-old, who is also studying one day a week for an AAT Accountancy in Finance qualification, said she always wanted to pursue a work-based apprenticeship after leaving school.

“I’m enjoying working within an office environment, learning new skills, and meeting new people,” Archer said. “I’m passionate about healthy eating and fitness, and it’s exciting to be working for a company that supplies healthy, wholegrain ingredients.”

Scott Pattinson, financial and commercial controller at Edme, described the appointment as part of a larger trend within the company.

“We are committed to development of team members, and recruit not just for talent, but also for attitude,” he insisted. “Phoebe is numerate, enthusiastic and keen to learn – and joins a team where everyone has recently been promoted. 

“It’s obviously important that everyone in the finance team is incredibly attentive to detail, and that’s something new recruits soon learn. Of course, apprentices often need a lot of support in their development, and it is true that this can be time-consuming for colleagues, particularly in a small department. But experience suggests it’s worth it. It’s a win-win all round.”

Earlier this year Edme promoted Metin Fevzi to the role of managing director, while Gary Mcllwaine has been named production manager.