A group of apprentices are building business skills for the future at timber and builders merchant Covers.

Fourteen apprentices have joined the merchant on one or two year programmes that provide the new recruits with experience of how a commercial business operates.

Working with assigned company mentors, the apprentices have the opportunity to learn a range of practical tasks and techniques focused on computer systems, sales, teamwork, customer service, office administration and stock management.

Josh Formaggia, who joined Covers Chichester as a Management Trainee Apprentice in September 2015, said: “During my time at Covers not only have I learnt about how the business operates but I have also had the opportunity to obtain qualifications including my front loading and combi lift-truck licenses and an NVQ in customer services. Being able to tap into the knowledge of my colleagues and gain experience in the world of work has been invaluable.”

Rupert Green, Chairman at Covers, said: “Our apprenticeship programme has gone from strength to strength and continues to be a resounding success. We very much believe in ‘growing our own’ so we are delighted that many of our apprentices choose to continue their careers with us after their apprenticeship has ended.“