Lion Containers Ltd recently ran an apprenticeship programme where they invited young people across the region to apply for positions within their Walsall office. They now have 3 apprentices working across their Business Development, Customer Service and Administration departments.
 (L-R) Amber Rice, Josh Hill, Maria Stanfield |
Taking on new people who have very little working experience, and zero industry experience was always going to be a risk. However, we were confident that with our in-depth training programme and accomplished sales staff who have acted as mentors, any new members taken on would thrive. The apprentice programme is a great opportunity for young people to not only gain working experience, but also gain qualifications. We hope that we can take on more in the future, to not only grow Lion Containers, but also help the local economy prosper – Laura Hucker, Lion Containers’ Manager
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The Midlands firm decided to run the scheme after reading about The National Apprenticeship Service who ran a campaign to promote Apprenticeships, David Cameron has also recently spoken about the need for firms to take on apprentices. Lion Containers Ltd already had experience of apprentices, with Amber Rice (19) of Pool Hayes Arts & Community School joining the firm in November 2012. Amber manages the main reception desk and assists with office administration and paperwork, including the complex world of shipping container deliveries, dealing with haulage firms and customers on an hourly basis. Amber had this to say about her apprenticeship
I really enjoy working at Lion Containers and I learn new things every day. All of my colleagues have been really helpful and friendly since the day I started, and we all work very closely as a company
Such was their success with Amber, the firm decided to run the scheme via a series of open days.
They have now taken on 2 more apprentices in their Business Development and Customer Services Departments. The new apprentices are Maria Stanfield (18) from Walsall College and Josh Hill (17) from Tettenhall College. The apprentices have been assigned a member of the sales team, who they are mentored by. They also work very closely with the firm’s marketing department.
If you would like further information regarding any upcoming vacancies with the firm, please call 0333 600 6260 or email info@lioncontainers.co.uk.
