UK Mail Launches New Apprenticeship Scheme

WEST MIDLANDS, U.K. - April 3, 2013 - PRLog -- Leading parcels and logistics company UK Mail are piloting a new apprenticeship scheme called AppForThat, offering young people the opportunity to build their careers at UK Mail, launching in April.

UK Mail have partnered with Elmfield Training, a vocational training provider, to roll out the new programme and will provide crucial opportunities for local young people who are currently struggling to find work. The trial will start in April 2013 in Leeds, Milton Keynes, Runcorn and Croydon.  This pilot will last around 6 months and if successful it’s to be rolled out to the rest of the country.   Apprentices will be found through the local job centres and charity organisations. Each recruit will take part in an assessment centre and a 4 week pre-employment training programme delivered by Elmfield Training and its partners.

Successful applicants will receive a minimum of 12 months training and support and start as an apprentice in a permanent position. During their training, apprentices will also work to achieve a competency qualification bespoke to UK Mail as well as receiving 75% of a standard salary during their probation period, raising to the salary for the role they are undertaking after 3 months.

A large number of the new opportunities will be based in Leeds, Runcorn, Croydon and Milton Keynes. The roles on offer range across positions within Mail Sort Centres, Customer Care centres and Operations in the Warehouse.

Guy Buswell, Chief Executive of UK Mail, said: “At UK Mail we’re passionate about our people and eager to help develop the community we live in. With the company’s proven track record in successful recruitment and unemployment on the rise, this programme is a great way to tackle this ever prevalent issue and for us to introduce young people into the world of work.”

Mandi O’Shea, director of apprenticeships at Elmfield Training, adds, “At Elmfield Training, we are delighted to have been chosen to work with UK Mail on their new ‘AppForThat’ programme.  The programme will provide real opportunities for more young people to gain meaningful employment and new skills in areas important to UK Mail.  We believe apprenticeships are at the heart of the economy and with the support of employers like UK Mail, we are committed to ensuring they are a first class career move.”