BSS Industrial, the distributor of heating and pipeline solutions, has launched its own management apprenticeship scheme to nurture home-grown talent and attract external applicants, securing the next generation of highly-skilled and knowledgeable staff across its branch network and central support functions.
                              
Four apprentices from across the Midlands and South East are currently developing their skills on the two year program. The first year of the scheme focuses on educating the students on all areas of the BSS Industrial business and covers the sales, branch, and logistics teams, whilst the second year sees them developing core management skills. After hands-on experience, the scheme leads to a Level 3 Management Apprenticeship and the opportunity to work in a management role.
 
The scheme has been extremely successful and has resulted in BSS planning to take on another eight apprentices in 2014 across the UK. The initiative forms part of the wider Travis Perkins Group Management Apprentice scheme which has seen a drive for 150 recruits across the Group. It has a strong track record of success with a number of TP Group Directors, including the new Chief Executive Officer John Carter, previously passing through the scheme.
 
Bill Gibson, BSS Industrial regional director, said: “This bespoke apprenticeship scheme is part of BSS Industrial’s on-going efforts to encourage skills into the industry and ensure high-calibre personnel have the chance to rise through the ranks. It also reflects our recognition of ever-evolving customer needs and the requirement for a forward-thinking and specialist group of individuals to support them. The search for our next round of apprentices has just been launched, so we’re looking forward to meeting the next team of recruits.”
 
Daniel Eastwood who is currently on the apprentice management scheme with BSS industrial in Northampton, added: “The management apprentice course has provided a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience of the company which has proved it is willing to invest not just in its own future, but in mine as well.”
For more information on BSS Industrial visit www.bssindustrial.co.uk