Selco Builders Warehouse has demonstrated its commitment to developing its own talent to take management positions by launching a new apprenticeship programme.
As National Apprenticeship Week continues, the leading builders’ merchant has launched a new Women in Leadership programme. The apprenticeships will be delivered by training provider Instep and nearly 50 women from amongst Selco’s workforce have already expressed an interest in beginning either a Level 3 or Level 5 apprenticeship.
The business launched a substantial apprenticeship offering in 2020, with more than 200 colleagues having now either completed their apprenticeship or are currently midway through the qualification.
HR Director Sally Kerr said: “Our apprenticeship programmes have become a crucial part of our people strategy over the last four years as we help colleagues fulfil their potential and progress their careers. We are continuing to promote our apprenticeships strongly to all our colleagues internally and our aim is to secure another 100 starting a programme in 2024.
“As part of that pledge, we are keen to support the progress of women in our industry as we continue to take steps towards becoming a fully diverse and inclusive workforce. Around 90% of our current female managers or deputy managers have come through internal promotion and we want to continue to give other women the opportunity and confidence to push their career to the next level with Selco.”
Sally continued: “We’ve already had 23 women commit to starting an apprenticeship in the coming weeks and we are looking forward to seeing that number continue to grow. We have a programme which is built by female leaders for female leaders and will help our colleagues continue to develop.”
The apprenticeships will take up to 18 months to complete and consist of up to 10 modules including strategic leadership, transactional analysis and people and talent management. Furthermore, the firm’s current apprenticeship offering includes Rising Stars – which helps branch colleagues complete retail qualifications under the guidance of leading training provider Realise – and the Selco Driver Academy, which re-trains current colleagues as newly-qualified HGV drivers.
