Ten years ago, Ashley Brothwood was combining his Telford College studies with the launch of a new cleaning business.
Now, the 28-year-old has gone full circle by returning to the Haybridge campus to offer placements and apprenticeships to a new generation of learners.
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Ashley, originally from Dawley, runs Vortex Cleaning, which is based in Arleston.
He set up the company at the age of 18, when he was completing level two and three accounting qualifications at Telford College.
Ashley also put himself through an apprenticeship – making him both a student, and company boss at the same time!
Since then, the former Phoenix School student has taken on three more apprentices through Telford College, and is now supporting the college’s new industry placement scheme, offering work experience opportunities for 40 hours per year.
His company handles domestic, commercial, and ‘extreme’ cleaning jobs such as crime scenes and accident sites, with clients including Telford & Wrekin Council, housing associations, and private landlords.
He said: “I’m now in a position to offer students work experience in my company. As a student myself, I remember the placements I attended and this was where I got my first taste of real work.
“Training young people is very rewarding, especially in my line of work. I particularly like taking students to ‘extreme’ cleaning jobs as they all seem really interested.
“It is also rewarding to witness them develop their knowledge and skills in an area with my support and guidance.”
Ashley said he had always used Telford College for their apprenticeships including cleaning and management, and said he would recommend talking to the college about apprenticeship opportunities.
Interested? Find out more at our next open event!
