Ipswich-based specialist recruitment agency Seven Resourcing has hosted a visit from the town’s MP, Ben Gummer, to showcase the success of its apprenticeship scheme.

Seven, which specialises in sourcing locum staff for the social care, nursing, healthcare and criminal justice sectors, invited Mr Gummer in to meet its current crop of apprentices and to find out why Seven is one of the fastest growing recruitment agencies in the UK.

Mr Gummer, an Under Secretary at the Department of Health, was keen to learn about the company’s successful apprenticeship scheme, and a similar programme aimed at working mothers, as well as the challenges facing Seven.

Following an initial conversation with Seven’s managing director, Richard Cooke, he was given a demonstration of Seven’s industry-leading technology and a tour of its office. He was then invited to lead a group discussion with some former apprentices now working at management level.

Mr Cooke said: “Our ongoing apprenticeship scheme and new starter development programme are integral to maintaining our high service standards.

“Getting some recognition for our efforts from Ben Gummer was very motivating for me personally, and a real morale boost for the team. As someone who came through an apprenticeship scheme, I’m a big advocate.”