Learning Curve Group is ‘tea-ing’ up the next generation of dedicated staff for Ringtons.
The independent tea and coffee experts have enlisted the national education training provider to deliver its new Customer Service apprenticeship programme.
The tailored scheme – designed to allow the family-run firm to maximise its Apprenticeship Levy contribution – is recruiting a number of apprentices to be based in Norfolk, Manchester, Birstall, West Yorkshire and St Helens, Merseyside.
A further apprentice will also be taken on in Peterborough and the company intends to use the programme to solve future recruitments needs.
Newcastle-based Ringtons, whose founder, Samuel Smith, began selling tea from a horse and cart in 1907, is keen to strengthen its loyal workforce by investing in the Level 2 programme to find its future leaders and innovators.
Learning Curve Group has begun the recruitment process – a complimentary service which adds further value to its 13-month accredited apprenticeship package.
Those selected will be paid £12,000, considerably above national minimum wage rates, with a guaranteed job waiting for the successful candidates.
Apprentices will benefit from the expertise of a Learning Curve Group talent coach as well as Ringtons’ own internal training team. As a result, they will receive a targeted training package allowing them to develop the necessary skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business.
It is based on a ratio of 80 per cent on the job learning and 20 per cent off the job training, with apprentices spending time in such areas as sales, doorstep delivery, new business and customer care.
Brenda McLeish, Chief Executive of County Durham-based Learning Curve Group, said: “We are delivering a flexible and bespoke apprenticeship scheme for Ringtons to produce skilled, knowledgeable and motivated apprentices who can go on to become the company’s future leaders.
“This programme provides Ringtons with the best return on its Apprenticeship Levy contribution as well as delivering highly able staff to meet its business needs.”
The Apprenticeship Levy, which was introduced in 2016, requires businesses with an annual wage bill of more than £3m to pay a 0.5% payroll levy into a training fund, which they can then draw upon.
Jon Malton, Managing Director for Ringtons said: “We are attracting enthusiastic, passionate and committed trainees and giving them an opportunity to work in all areas of the business.
“This gives them a solid background and understanding upon which to build their own skills. We pay our apprentices £12,000 per annum because we want to attract and keep the right candidates, who love our products and can build great relationships with our customers.”
