TNT Post, the UK’s largest private postal provider, has begun to offer apprenticeships to existing and prospective employees who wish to develop and progress toward a career in management, just in time for National Apprenticeship Week 2013.
Lasting two years, the Level 3 apprenticeship scheme has been designed to develop effective senior managers. The programme focuses on substantial, sustained training in general management, thereby enabling skills transferability across a broad range of industries and organisations, future-proofing the expertise of individuals for the long term.
The focus of the scheme is on personal and professional development. Through ‘Going for Gold’, one of the customer service modules of the scheme, the apprentice will develop skills and attributes required to deliver excellence in customer service. ‘Buddy Training’ incorporates an extensive coaching module and develops effective communication skills.
The apprenticeship programme allows TNT Post to support staff in realising their full potential through its youth engagement initiatives, including its coaching framework, network of ‘Buddies’ and comprehensive work experience programme, all tailored to the individuals’ personal circumstances and goals.
TNT Post expects to support at least 50 apprentices, with a desire for them to become long-term employees and progress within the company.
Apprentices will be based within one of the delivery units and learning is provided through training in TNT Post’s own Learning and Development Centre, combined with classroom education in select West London colleges. Classroom education will enable apprentices to gain valuable GCSEs in English and Maths. The programme is designed to be facilitated by other educational establishments as they follow TNT Post’s expansion plans in the UK.
The announcement comes as part of the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from 11-15 March 2013. The Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The over-arching theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2013 is Apprenticeships Deliver” and this year it’s all about showcasing the achievements and benefits Apprenticeships deliver for both apprentices and their employers and utilising their experiences to positively inform and persuade others to get involved.
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said:
“This is excellent news for TNT Post and shows how Apprenticeships are fast becoming an asset for businesses that want to grow and succeed.
“This week we announced our plans to raise the quality of Apprenticeships and put them in the hands of employers in response to the Doug Richard review. Apprenticeships deliver and these changes will help to ensure that it is the new norm for young people to either go to university or start an Apprenticeship."
David Way, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said:
“We are delighted by TNT Post’s commitment to Apprenticeships, evidenced in today’s announcement that it is to recruit for 50 new positions. Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification; and setting them on the road to success in their chosen career. For employers, Apprenticeships are a way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce and there has never been a better time to recruit an apprentice."
Nick Wells, CEO of TNT Post UK, said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer these apprenticeships. TNT Post strives to build strong managers and positive role models to lead future generations of employees.
“TNT Post prides itself on helping to lower youth unemployment levels. By providing sustainable employment opportunities, the company is taking another step to combat the issue.
“Through personal and professional development, we want to enhance career opportunities for all our employees, and, for our new apprentices, provide each of them with transferable managerial skills for life.”