Opus Energy launches NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme: New roles with on-the-job NVQ Diplomas announced

Feb. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Opus Energy has announced the creation of new jobs alongside the launch of a bespoke NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme. The launch marks National Apprenticeship Week and celebrates Opus Energy’s recent Best Companies award win.

From its base in Northampton, Opus Energy is working closely with one of the UK’s biggest training providers, First4Skills, to launch the scheme which will assist Opus Energy in recruiting and training talented individuals looking to work in the energy sector.

Five apprenticeships will be awarded across two key roles within Opus Energy:

- Apprentice Customer Service Administrator: Diploma in Business Administration (Level 2)
- Apprentice Customer Service Advisor: Diploma in Customer Service (Level 2)

Annamarie Petsis Jones, Head of HR, Learning and Development at Opus Energy, commented on the launch: “We’re very excited about our new NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, which we hope will bring new, local talent into the company.

“We’re looking for a complete range of applicants, so not just school leavers but anyone with a genuine interest in working in the energy sector, a true passion for excellent customer service and an ambition to learn and develop within Opus Energy.”

Each NVQ Diploma has been tailored to suit Opus Energy’s specific requirements, with starting salaries double those of usual apprenticeship rates. Opus Energy has also made a pledge to track the five successful candidates’ development closely and offer them the opportunity to move on to an NVQ Level 3 upon completion of their probationary period.

In addition to the NVQ Apprenticeship Scheme, Opus Energy has recently introduced a Management Development Programme – a further incentive for those looking to break into the energy sector and climb to a senior management position.

Charlie Crossley Cooke, Managing Director, Opus Energy, said, “We are entering another exciting year of planned growth, and this could not have been achieved without our employees. Our aim is to be one of the best employers in the energy sector, and our recent Best Companies award demonstrates the commitment Opus Energy shows to its workforce. We believe that these new qualifications will help our employees excel in their roles and move up the ladder.”

Clare Green, Account Director, First4Skills, added; “First4Skills is delighted to be working in partnership with Opus Energy to be able to support all employees, currently and in the future, by giving them access to a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications. These will bring out the best in Opus Energy employees, making the most of their potential, and in doing so will provide the building blocks for a stronger, more successful business.”

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For press enquiries, please contact
Lisa Donohue
FTI Consulting
T. 0207 269 7219
E. lisa.donohue@fticonsulting.com

About Opus Energy
Opus Energy is the UK’s leading business energy supplier. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, Opus Energy employs 360 people.

Opus Energy supplies over 110,000 UK business sites across all sectors. Corporate customers include: Stagecoach, Halfords, Pizza Hut and Virgin Media.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 per cent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 per cent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 per cent.

For further information about the Apprenticeship Scheme, please visit the Careers section on the Opus Energy website: http://www.opusenergy.com/careers/

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Opus Energy offers UK businesses cheap energy and a high standard of customer care. Opus Energy only supply to UK businesses and are proud to supply over 100,000 customers, including FirstGroup and Lloyds Pharmacy