A PREMIER print company has duplicated its staffing success after turning to a local art college for new recruits.

Service Point, which provides document, print and information management services across the UK, has appointed former Cleveland College of Art & Design  student Meg Arthur.

Former BTEC extended diploma in graphic design student Meg, 20, of Billingham, is the third The Northern School of Art graduate to gain a position at the Middlesbrough based company, including Mac operator Dean Gordon, 34 and manager Nigel Thomsen, 40.

“I was looking for a new member of staff and the calibre of applicants that I was being sent for interview by recruitment agencies was not great,” said Nigel, who graduated from The Northern School of Art in 1991.

“I needed someone who could fit in with our existing staff, someone who would be good with people, and it was important that I got the right person.

“I also wanted someone who wanted to work in the industry so I decided to approach CCAD.”

From the potential candidates Nigel selected Meg for the role of Mac operator after she impressed at interview.

“Meg’s personality really stood out and I was extremely impressed with her eagerness to learn,” said Nigel.

“Not all students want to go on to university and sometimes the best way to actually learn about an industry is to work in it.

“We have a lot of long serving staff in our branch and are very proactive at promoting from within so if she chooses Meg can look forward to a long and rewarding career with the company.”

With full-time employment secured Meg has now been able to give up her part-time jobs as a cleaner, and shop assistant, which helped to fund her through college, and is hoping to quickly progress up the career ladder.

“When I heard about the opportunity at Service Point I applied straight away and because I wanted the job so much I was over the moon when Nigel rang to offer it to me.”

Meg’s role as Mac operator will see her undertake some of her own design work for posters and printing, liaising with customers and creating everything from business cards to bespoke exhibitions.

“I’ve settled in really well,” added Meg. “And everyone is so nice. I had a great grounding at The Northern School of Art and now I really want to progress within the company and learn so much more – I definitely see my long term future being with Service Point.”

For more information on opportunities at The Northern School of Art contact (01642) 288888 or log on to www.ccad.ac.uk.