Wolseley UK, the UK’s largest distributor of plumbing and heating products, has launched an apprenticeship scheme for large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers, the first of its kind in the industry.
The salaried scheme, which includes a training package worth £7,000, begins in April and lasts for a year. Successful apprentices will graduate with a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles, a C+E license, Driver CPC and a forklift license.
Delivered in partnership with Telford College, the apprenticeship scheme comprises both
“on the road” and classroom-based training, teaching the technical elements associated with the highest standards of driving, as well as functional skills in Maths and English.
In addition to recruiting new talent, Wolseley UK is further investing in its fleet by training all 123 existing drivers, during working hours, under a Framework of Excellence which will see those who successfully complete the programme awarded a Level 2 Certificate in Driving Goods Vehicles.
Joanne Smith, HR Director, Wolseley UK, said:
“Wolseley UK aims to be the employer of choice in its industry and in order to attract and retain the best talent we’ve made sure that we offer innovative, exciting and industry-leading career opportunities.”
Alan Newton, head of distribution and fleet, Wolseley UK, said:
“Excellent customer service and fantastic product availability relies on a world class distribution fleet. We are proud to invest in our drivers, grow our own people and run the safest, most efficient fleet, in the UK.”
Wolseley UK provides construction products and materials through five distribution centres (DCs) and a nationwide branch network, including Plumb and Parts Center, Pipe Center, Climate Center, Drain Center and William Wilson. The company employs 6,200 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.
It is currently recruiting for four apprenticeship drivers, two to be based in its Worcester DC and two in Marston Gate DC. Applicants must be aged 21 or over (a legal requirement for a C+E licence), hold a clean driving licence and GCSEs in Maths and English.
For more details and to apply, visit Wolseley UK’s careers website:
• http://tinyurl.com/naxuhnv for the Marston Gate DC vacancies or
• http://tinyurl.com/pry56kz for the Worcester DC vacancies
The closing date for applications is January 31, 2015.