Nothing stands still at Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce. So when the team spotted a skills gap in the all-important areas of communications and social media, it was time to do something about it.

Step forward Amelia Tomlinson – the Chamber’s new apprentice.

Amelia joined the Chamber fresh out of Worthing College, having studied fine art, digital media, and photography. In fact, fresh is an understatement: Amelia left college on 18 May and started at the Chamber on 19 May. Amelia’s role encompasses social media – particularly the Chamber’s Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, and LinkedIn activity – and running the Chamber website (worthingandadurchamber.co.uk) keeping the content fresh and relevant.

Amelia, who lives in Worthing, said: ‘This was the perfect opportunity for me and came along at just the right time. It was too good to miss as the role allows me to put my digital media and photography skills to good use.

When asked for her impressions of the Chamber after a month on the inside, Amelia said: ‘I didn’t know an awful lot about the Chamber before I joined but I can see already that the support it gives to local businesses is invaluable. I see it as my job to communicate this message through our social media so that we spread the word and extend this support to even more members.’

Chamber Chief Executive Tina Tilley said: ‘I encourage all local businesses to look at taking on apprentices as they have a lot to offer. Amelia feels part of the team already. She is quickly making a difference in the social media area by bringing fresh ideas and a young person’s outlook. What’s more, she is incredibly confident in putting her ideas in place. Amelia is just what we needed.’

It looks like Amelia and the Chamber can look forward to a bright future together.