A sector based academy was held at Pedigree Wholesale’s Gamston site and 14 potential apprentices attended a one week course which focused on developing the necessary skills to be successful in finding a new career.

The course was run by Anne Parker from West Nottinghamshire College, who stated: “We were delighted to host the delegates and give them a better idea of a working warehouse environment.”

The benefit of this approach is the opportunity it gives to people who may have been unemployed for a considerable time some risk free experience of life in the workplace. It also allows them to decide whether this is the right career for them.

The academy is advertised in local job centres and anyone who is unemployed is entitled to apply for a chance to attend.

Richard Slater, Pedigree Wholesale’s Depot Manager, commented: “This has been a great opportunity to meet some potential new apprentices and as a result of the academy we have been delighted to offer full time apprenticeship positions to two of the attendees.

"We will be enrolling them into the apprenticeship program to make sure we offer them the best possible chance to develop their career in warehousing.”

Joanna Ramsdale, HR Director had the opportunity to spend some time with the academy team.

“It is clear that this type of event allows long term unemployed people the chance to re-familiarise themselves with the workplace and we did everything possible to make them feel at home with us here at Pedigree Wholesale," said Joanna.

"The coaching provided on the course is very comprehensive and a great foundation for anyone wishing to return to work. It’s also very satisfying to be able to give something back to our local residents in the Nottingham area and we will continue to support apprenticeships as the foundation of our commitment to developing talent within our business.”