Baltic Publications apprentice Ashley Heir is warming to the idea of working with numbers after her training advisor suggested a change of career direction.

Far from being all at sea, the 18-year-old from Gateshead has found that adding to her skills portfolio is opening up new work based opportunities.

Having been found a business administration position with the publisher by her trainers - Access - last year, Ashley has now been persuaded to move on to an apprentice accountant's position.

After helping Ashley to achieve NVQ Level 2 in Business Admin, Baltic Publications has brought in Access once again to ensure their able apprentice passes her level 3 AAT accountancy course.

She said: "Access has been very supportive throughout both courses. I have never studied accounting before so I was hesitant at first but I enjoy a challenge and believe it will be a good career path for the future." "My new accounting skill's advisor has always been on hand to help and we meet regularly to check my progress, making my transition into accounting so much easier."

The printing house, located at the Baltic Business Centre, has been in business since 2002 and is responsible for the publication of a number of business, career and sport related magazines.

Baltic Publications' Accounts Manager Phillipa Mullen is delighted with her new apprentice's hard work, noting her competency for the role and mature attitude. She commented: "We decided to move Ashley to accounts as we thought it would be a more challenging position where she could reach her full potential. We've used Access a number of times and couldn't think of anyone better to train her."