AN investment in apprentices has paid off for a Worcestershire firm.

Kidderminster-based Minster Micro Computers Ltd has promoted Nicole Heaton to the permanent role of sales and marketing assistant. Nicole, 18, who joined the business as an apprentice in 2016, will now take on a more active role in the firm’s marketing department, including social and digital media management.

Ryan Toland, 22, has also joined as the company’s new graduate software engineer, having completed a two-year work placement with Minster as part of his degree course.

The Business IT graduate will manage a variety of client-facing projects, including systems and software training for customers.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Amy Foster-Scoles has joined the Worcester Road firm in a newly created accounts assistant and HR role within Minster’s finance team.

Minster director Susan Marlow, said: “We believe that our success and growth is linked closely with giving opportunities to young local people and developing their skills and talents.

“Bringing through the talent of tomorrow is always at the forefront of our minds.

“All three have the credentials we look for and we are delighted to be bringing more new jobs and opportunities to Worcestershire.”

Nicole will continue to develop her career by studying further marketing and media courses while Amy will shortly begin her AAT accounting qualifications.

Last December, Minster was highly commended for its commitment to apprenticeships and for developing young people – coming runner-up in the newcomer apprenticeship employer of the year category, at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards.

Minster has more than 35 years’ experience supporting a variety of businesses with their infrastructure and software.