Retailer opens apprenticeship program up for external applicants, helping build careers in retail operations
Home improvement retailer Wickes, has announced that for the first time they will recruit external applicants into its entry level Retail apprenticeship programme for Customer Experience.
With job uncertainty at an all-time high, a rise in unemployment, and more and more people being put into furlough schemes due to the pandemic, Wickes is rolling out its successful internal programme to the nation. The newly extended Apprenticeship Scheme is designed to provide opportunities to those in Wickes’ local communities, to help bridge the gap in unemployment.
The Customer Experience programme will provide apprentices a nationally recognised Level 2 Apprenticeship in Retail to help build their careers. Training will also be carried out virtually adhering to measures put in place due to Covid.
To evolve it’s apprenticeship programme, Customer Experience is currently being trialled by internal colleagues who work part time, making Wickes one of the only retailers to offer this flexibility to balance home commitments. Taking up to two years to complete, the aspiration for this version is to be offered to external applicants in 2021. Apprentices will be able to earn and learn on the course, giving them the tools to apply their knowledge to real life situations in store, without having to sacrifice their working hours to do so.
The scheme will allow Wickes to continuously upskill the workforce, maintain a high level of customer service and to give back to local communities by offering employment and training to those who want it most.
Sonia Astill, Chief People Officer, at Wickes, said: “We care passionately about the future, and nurture and develop talent by developing apprenticeship programmes. We understand the pressure and hardship this pandemic has placed on our communities across the UK and we want to help give back by utilising our business strengths in a relevant, educational way. We’ve worked hard to extend our Apprenticeship Scheme externally and create a training programme that is unique to the brand yet will still provide a meaningful qualification to participants once completed. We hope this move will help offer job opportunities and training to those looking for their next step whatever life path they choose to take.”
Applications for the January 2021 intake of the Apprenticeship Scheme is now open.
For more information on the Wickes Apprenticeship Scheme and for applications forms, visit https://www.wickescareers.co.uk/Apprenticeships .
