Businesses should take a leaf out of the Cherry Tree Café’s book – and offer young people work experience opportunities.

That’s the view of Rathbone Ashton who have been hugely impressed by the way their learners have blossomed at the North West eatery.

Amongst those aided by the Cherry Tree is former Entry to Employment student, Ben Massey. Fourteen months ago, Ben was battling a lack of direction and low self-esteem but a spell at Rathbone’s George Street Centre plus a placement at the Cherry Tree have him dreaming of being the next Gordon Ramsay!

Helen Icely from Cherry Tree

What makes the Cherry Tree so special is the sense of camaraderie between the staff and the personal attention learners get from café proprietor, Helen Icely.

“Like many young people today, I wasn’t good academically and didn’t really like school” admitted Helen. “I had common sense though and was lucky enough to get the chance to show what I could do at work. We all need a break and I hope other businesses look upon working with a young person as an opportunity – not a burden.”

Rathbone Director for the North Jan Pennington hopes other bosses will help prepare young people for the workplace and dish-out the same support the Cherry Tree offers. “With the collapse of companies such as Woolworths, work placements have become hard to find” said Jan. “Without this experience some young people are finding it hard to compete in the job market. Helen doesn’t want to see a whole generation written off and we hope she inspires other bosses to give young people all the ingredients they need to succeed.”