The merchant is supporting the Builders Merchants Federation’s challenge for the industry as a whole to deliver 15,000 apprentices by 2030.
Selco Builders Warehouse has marked National Apprenticeship Week by committing to delivering 500 apprenticeships for its colleagues by 2030.
The leading builders' merchant has delivered a number of innovative apprenticeship programmes in recent times, ranging from Rising Stars for its colleagues working in branch, Driver Academy for team members wanting to switch to a career as a HGV driver and a new Women In Leadership programme launched last year.
Selco has now taken its apprenticeship offering to the next level with the pledge for the next five years as part of the Builders Merchants Federation’s challenge for the industry as a whole to deliver 15,000 apprentices by 2030.
Selco’s commitment has got off to a flying start with more than 100 colleagues already engaged in or signed up for an apprenticeship – including 37 new Rising Stars and Sales Academy enrolments just prior to Christmas.
Sally Kerr, HR Director for Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We are extremely proud of our training offering to colleagues and the apprenticeship delivery plays a huge role in that.
“There are a number of reasons we are so passionate about apprenticeships and they include driving career development progression opportunities for our colleagues and ensuring our teams are constantly pushing the boundaries when it comes to delivering outstanding customer service.
“We have seen great success in our apprenticeship programmes so far and look forward to seeing that continually expand in the months and years to come.”
Run in conjunction with one of the UK’s leading training providers Realise, Rising Stars is available at gold, silver and bronze level and helps branch colleagues move to the next level of their careers.
Kerr added: “All our programmes are tailored to meet the specific needs and offering of Selco.
“We select courses with a high level of practical elements and then make it bespoke to the requirements of our operations here at Selco.
“That means that our colleagues are learning by putting into practice the work they do on a day-to-day basis, gaining greater knowledge for their current job and having a tangible benefit to their careers.
“We have already seen a high number of our colleagues not only complete their apprenticeship and achieve their qualification but also secure a promotion off the back of it.
“We are committed to giving colleagues the chance to create a genuine career path and providing them with the skills, techniques and self-development to do that. We are looking forward to celebrating many more apprentices in the future.”
In addition to the main schemes, Selco colleagues are currently also completing apprenticeships in other business areas including finance, data analysis, HR and project management.
All apprenticeship successes are marked at special graduation ceremonies where colleagues wear traditional university cap and gown attire.
As part of its National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Selco is also marking trade apprentices by giving away two £1,000 toolkits through a competition on its social media channels.
