A FORMER Duchy College Rosewarne apprentice who now has her own successful business has welcomed a current student into the fold.

Erica Tippett, 24, from Bude, completed her floristry apprenticeship in 2008 and went on to open her business — Bleujen Florist in the town. Realising the importance of gaining experience while learning, Erica has now employed her own apprentice, Sophie Watton, 20, from Launceston.

Sophie is studying one day a week at Duchy College Rosewarne while working full-time with Erica.

"I think you learn so much more by being in the work place as well as at college. My shop is doing really well and when I realised I needed an extra pair of hands, employing an apprentice seemed liked the perfect solution," explained Erica.

"My confidence really grew when I was undertaking my apprenticeship; I loved the practical side and the experience I got from being in the work place — it gave me the scope to achieve my goals and made me realise I could run my own business."

Sophie, who completed the full-time level 2 floristry diploma last year at the college and is now studying the level 3 as an apprenticeship, said: "I felt that last year I struggled with the paper work side of things but as an apprentice it's more practical and I'm really enjoying it. I feel I'm progressing well; my lecturer is great and always encourages us to be experimental and creative. I've also learnt so much from Erica — we get on well and I'm learning about all aspects of the business."

Erica added:?"I can see that Sophie's confidence is growing. I think it's so important to be in a busy work environment and I would definitely take on another apprentice in the future."

Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College of which Duchy College is part, said: "Erica is an excellent role model. It's great to see our past students excelling in their field and I'm sure Sophie will learn a lot working alongside her. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a trade and they are fast becoming a popular route to industry."

To find out further information on the floristry courses and apprenticeships available at Duchy College Rosewarne, please contact the college on 01209 721321 or visit the website http://www.duchy.ac.uk">www.duchy.ac.uk for more details.