Exeter apprenticeship up for grabs

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2014 - 12:39pm

Young people in Exeter are being given the chance to apply for Wolseley UK’s customer service apprenticeship scheme via a vacancy at its Plumb Center branch on Sowton Industrial Estate in Exeter.

Wolseley UK provides construction products and materials through a nationwide branch network, including Plumb and Parts Center, Pipe Center, Climate Center, Drain Center and William Wilson. The company employs 6,000 people, has a network of 919 branches and boasts a commercial fleet of more than 800 vehicles, making it one of the biggest in the UK.

All apprentices that enrol in the programme will complete a NVQ Level Two Apprenticeship in Customer Service in year one, and a NVQ Level Three Advanced Apprenticeship in Customer Service in year two depending on their rate of learning and progress.

Emma Barry, 19, recently completed her apprenticeship with Wolseley UK at Plumb Center’s Christchurch branch and has now been taken on as a full time Sales Advisor there. 

She said: “I was keen to progress into a customer service role after working part-time in public facing roles as a student. When I started searching on the internet it was the Wolseley scheme that stood out because of the extra benefits like the fork lift licence and NVQs.

“Not only has it helped me gain confidence but I’ve learnt things about myself that I didn’t know. I feel really proud that I can manage tasks by myself, I’ve got to know lots of the regular customers who are really friendly and it’s great to feel part of the Plumb Center team.

My favourite part was completing the fork lift licence training programme which I picked up really quickly.”

Since it launched an apprentice programme in 2011, Wolseley UK has seen 30 apprentices complete the scheme and over 50 per cent of them continue working for the business as a full time employee.

June Hogan, Programme Manager, Wolseley UK said: “All our apprentices are managed locally by either an area or branch manager, with central support from the Wolseley UK management team. We believe establishing a dedicated system to help develop promising young talent will have a significant impact on our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service. There are currently 27 apprentices working across our various businesses, and we are excited to invite an additional applicant in the Exeter area to join us.”

The closing date for vacancies is Wednesday 24th December.

For more information on these vacancies please contact: Megan Phillips, on 01332 253111 / 07900 408 266 or email: megan.phillips@intraining.co.uk or visit: www.intraining.co.uk

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