You’re hired! Imperial Commercials top for apprentices
The recession may have brought the spectre of unemployment back to the UK, but the future is bright for apprentices at Imperial Commercials, the UK’s largest truck dealership network. The company’s longstanding investment in apprentices has been recognised with a place in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards for Imperial Commercials’ Derby region.
Imperial Commercials run a three year apprenticeship scheme which is open to all ages and either gender in the Service, Parts and Bodyworks departments. Local schools are encouraged to send students on work experience, and the company has teamed up with Derby College to promote the scheme locally.
The scheme benefits both apprentices and the business:
Apprentices receive a good salary with regular increases as they meet development targets. They benefit from a structured training programme delivered through block release and on-site learning alongside experienced staff. They are offered a permanent contract of employment after successfully completing the three years followed by an ‘improver year’ of final training to qualify in their chosen area.
Imperial Commercials gains a regular intake of new talent who learn the business’s customer service ethos as well as cutting edge technical skills. It enables the company to maintain continuity when older colleagues retire and helps build close links with the local community. The investment in training costs is repaid many times over as apprentices tend to stay with the business – 42% of staff at the Nottingham dealership, part of the Derby Region, are ex-apprentices and the longest serving apprentice has 51 years’ proud service!
Training does not end with the apprenticeship – Imperial Commercials views development as a lifelong process. A perfect example is Matthew Lawrenson, Regional Director of Imperial Commercials Derby Region, who began life as a Trainee Accountant in the accounts department.
Matthew comments: “As a former apprentice myself, I’m living proof that the scheme opens doors at any level of the business. I’m delighted to have reached the regional final of these prestigious awards, and more importantly, extremely proud of the contribution our apprentices past and present make. Passing on knowledge and skills from one generation to another is at the core of our family-oriented culture which makes people want to stay with us and do a great job for our customers.”
Imperial Commercials is now looking to expand its apprenticeship programme to administration and accounts functions with the help of the local Derby College. The company looks forward to the outcome of the awards on 10 June 2010.
For more information, visit imperialcommercials.co.uk.
