Carpetright is celebrating the success of its first ever graduate apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week.
Apprenticeship and work-based training provider, First4Skills, has worked in partnership with Carpetright to deliver the company’s first programme. 25 learners will graduate from the scheme this month.
All 25 apprentices now look forward to bright careers with the company throughout the country. It was Carpetright’s first ever experience of running an apprenticeship programme and following its success, the company is now busy planning with First4Skills for its 2016 cohort.
Mark Emberson, a Management Level 3 apprenticeship, found that his dedication and achievement at Carpetright was recognised with a promotion to store manager in Reading’s Oxford Road store. Under the guidance and sponsorship of his regional manager, Mark’s potential has been further developed to open up this new opportunity for him.
The apprenticeship programme took a year to complete and Mark was successfully promoted whilst continuing to work towards the completion of his level 3 qualification in retail management.
Speaking of his achievement, Mark says: “I am really proud of my achievement and grateful to Carpetright for giving me this chance to step up to store manager. It’s been a tough year working towards my apprenticeship whilst balancing work, but it was worth it.”
Store manager, Anthony Harper, comments on the experience of hiring an apprentice: “Mark was a real shining star and we noticed how talented he was very quickly, so when this opportunity came up we thought he would be perfect for the role. Since joining Carpetright he’s progressed really well and the promotion is a reflection of his hard work and dedication.”
UK training manager at Carpetright, Graham Powell, says: “We have found apprenticeships are a great way to bring fresh talent to the organisation – they are motivated, loyal and in as little as six months with us we begin to see their potential for promotion.”
Sue Price, CEO at First4Skills says: “We’re really proud of Mark and all the Carpetright apprenticeship graduates for what they have achieved in such a short space of time. Mark’s achievement clearly demonstrates that apprenticeships are not just for school leavers starting out in their first job. They provide excellent opportunities for individuals to further develop their careers into senior positions and a great example of how work-based training can really support business growth and individuals careers.”
