Pied Piper, the leading children's charity in Gloucestershire, are pleased to have their second apprentice start in the office at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Emma Carpenter, aged 18, from Matson, has been at Chosen Hill School and is awaiting her A level results and is quickly learning what it is like to be part of a busy office for a busy charity.

Emma was chosen because she was friendly, chatty, intelligent and genuinely interested in charity. She had worked in the Prinknash shop and was good with people.

The apprenticeship is for a year in business and administration but she could do a further year afterwards and do the level 3 in events.

Emma said: "I am finding the set-up of a charity very interesting with so many areas of work available. I didn't realise how many people come into the office to chat about their donations or the events they would like to do. I am really enjoying it."

Julie Kent, vice chairman of The Pied Piper Appeal, is an advocate of the apprenticeship scheme and said: "Both my children have done apprenticeships and I feel that it is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills outside the classroom, gain work experience, knowledge and earn money all at the same time.

"Emma is already proving to be an asset, welcoming people, doing admin work and selling donated items."

Pied Piper's first apprentice has gone on to study to be an accountant. They are currently advertising for an apprentice to start in their charity shop at the end of August/beginning of September.