Leading materials handling solutions provider Barloworld Handling has hired another nineteen new apprentices across the UK and restated a long term commitment to its highly popular apprentice scheme. Despite difficult trading conditions, Barloworld sees continued investment in apprentice training and development as a key factor in the future success of its business and wider industry.
Over the next few years, lift truck service providers will lose many of their experienced engineers due to retirement, promotion or career change. Like many companies, Barloworld has been forced to restructure during the current economic downturn but is committed to maintaining a talented team of professional engineers across the country to ensure high levels of service excellence and customer satisfaction.
Barloworld currently employs fifty two apprentices throughout the UK and claims without the continued investment in its apprentice scheme the natural cyclical loss of experienced engineers would be difficult to replace.
Isadore Payne, Barloworld Handlings Global HR Director says Our apprentice programme gives us the opportunity to introduce fresh blood into the business and develop both technical and people skills so our engineering force is the best the industry has to offer. Our programme has a proven track record in producing highly motivated skilled engineers. Many of our apprentices, for example, have received recognition at the annual FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association) awards for excellence.
Barloworlds apprentice scheme consists of 4 years structured vocational training supplemented by block release at some of the countrys leading technical colleges. The scheme enables apprentices to benefit from a competitive salary whilst they work towards obtaining an NVQ level 3 or BTEC qualification in forklift engineering.
On successful completion of the course, Barloworld apprentices become fully qualified service engineers, working from a regional workshop, customer site or out on the road taking a mobile workshop to the customer. Service engineers are well respected and rewarded with excellent prospects for future development in field service management, parts and operations management or sales.
Barloworlds apprentice scheme has proved extremely popular. Earlier this year the company launched a dedicated apprentice website and subsequently received in excess of one thousand online applications. Following a structured selection process this years in-take of 19 apprentices started work during September.
For further information on Barloworlds apprentice scheme visit www.apprentice.barloworld.co.uk.
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