Martin Nield was the first apprentice to be recruited for the joint apprenticeship scheme between the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) and Hitachi Capital Business Finance.

Nield has started his six-month rotation at Hitachi Capital’s offices in Staines-upon-Thames in January. He was selected by a panel of representatives from both the NACFB and Hitachi Capital, who is committed to covering the cost of training for a 12-month period.

After the completion of the placement at Hitachi Capital, Nield will spend six months with a commercial finance broker.

"This is a very valuable initiative. Martin will be the first of many new brokers who will enter the market fully trained at the highest level, and the effects of this initiative will, in time, be felt by lenders and Britain’s small businesses alike," wrote Adam Tyler, chief executive of the NACFB.

The NACFB aims to get between 10 and 20 new brokers from this initiative.