Wolseley UK is supporting National Apprenticeship Week with the extension of its flagship apprenticeship scheme.
The plumbing and heating firm has launched a new LGV driver apprenticeship scheme, in addition to its customer service apprenticeship scheme, which begins in April 2015 and includes a training package worth £7,000. Four apprentices will graduate with a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles, a C+E license, Driver CPC, a forklift license and the chance to permanently join a FTSE 100 firm.
Since 2011, Wolseley UK has invested heavily in the recruitment and development of apprentices and currently has 32 apprentices on its customer service scheme and 21 former apprentices in full time sales advisor positions within the company. It is currently looking for several new customer service apprentices, as well as four LGV driver apprentices, in the hope of growing its own managers of the future and getting younger people in work-based employment.
Joanne Smith, HR Director, Wolseley UK, said “Wolseley UK aims to be the employer of choice in its industry and in order to attract and retain the best talent, we’ve made sure that we offer innovative, exciting and industry-leading career opportunities.
“We believe in growing our own people so that we have the best employees in the business — people who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service. Our apprentice schemes are an investment into the next generation of employees, offering a practical and accessible route into business.”
Wolseley UK provides construction products and materials through five distribution centres and a nationwide branch network, including Plumb and Parts Center, Pipe Center, Climate Center, Drain Center and William Wilson. The company employs 6,200 people, has a network of 919 branches and boasts a commercial fleet of more than 800 vehicles, making it one of the largest in the UK.
Wolseley UK’s apprenticeship scheme is one of a number of initiatives to attract a diverse range of people into its workforce. The company also offers a competitive graduate scheme and currently employs 20 graduates while recruiting for 10 more.
