Bathroom supplier HiB has launched an apprenticeship scheme to offer training opportunities to new and existing employees.

The programme, which offers participants the chance to learn while they earn, covers many areas of the business including the warehouse, operations and the supply chain.

Four members of staff are undertaking the training, including three existing employees and one new recruit.

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Focusing on learning a variety of skills that not only help them become more confident and knowledgeable about their current roles, the apprenticeships will open up more opportunities for their future career.

The latest apprentice to join the scheme is Edward Lomas who, along with the other three apprentices, will achieve Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse qualification over the next 12 months.

Talking about the apprenticeship, Lomas said: ”I’m really interested in being able to learn new skills and get a wage at the same time. It gives me a chance to play an important role.

“Finding my way around the job was hard at first but you have everyone around you to support you through.

“I think the trainers here are really helpful and explain the job in a way which is easy to understand and keep making the work challenging.

“I’ll get skills to do my job to the best possible standard while building my confidence and communication skills.”

Last year, the company launched the HiB Academy, with the aim of offering more training and learning opportunities to employees across the workforce.

In order to support their ongoing development, three existing employees have also embarked on the apprenticeship programme.

Inbound operative John Giles, who is one of the staff members taking on the apprenticeship, said: “I decided to take on this apprenticeship because it really appealed to me.

“I am always one to try new things and want to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. The more experience I gain the more I can progress within the company.

“The training has been great and I am all for giving back to this company everything they’ve helped so much with.”

Training has been underway for just a couple of weeks and apprentices have already completed fire marshal, first aid, Fork Lift Truck and risk assessment courses, among other activities.

Outbound operative Sophie Wardle-Hall, who is also completing the apprenticeship, said: “I decided to take on the apprenticeship to learn and excel in my job role.

“The apprenticeship will help me understand what happens in the warehouse and give me more confidence. My experience of the training at HiB so far has been very good.”

The apprenticeship programme is one of a number of training and skills development opportunities being offered to new and existing employees at HiB.

As part of the company’s vision, to improve the lives of HiB’s people, partners and the wider community, there are hopes to expand the programme in the future and recruit more apprentices to join the team.

Talking about the opportunity, outbound operative Jake Gilmore said: “I am looking forward to the sense of achievement at the end when I succeed. I hope it will be allow me to be a better individual and a better team player.

“I would say to someone thinking about an apprenticeship that they should go for it, as long as they give it 100% effort, learning can improve your future opportunities.”