This pilot was very successful, and as a result the company decided to roll out the programme in their Coventry, Shrewsbury and Derby sites which included both Customer Service and Credit Management sides of the business and over the past 4 years, 200 Apprentices have been recruited and trained through the programme. Focus On works on site with each of the Apprentices, delivering the full range of qualifications within each Apprenticeship framework. We work with between 35 and 50 apprentices at any one time, aged between 16 and 23, and covering the occupational areas of Customer Service at levels 2 and 3, Business Administration level 3 and Management level 3.

This very successful programme has resulted in many of the apprentices moving into more senior positions with the business, such as Team Managers and Deputy Managers.

Adrian Jeavons the Customer Relationship Manager in Credit Management said: “While we have many excellent staff, our Apprentices consistently show outstanding customer service skills and pay detailed attention to Severn Trent's quality standards, which is why we are happy to keep supporting Focus On's programme. Additionally, we have recently started to enjoy unexpected benefits from the programme with the first Team and Deputy Team Managers being appointed. If the Apprenticeship programme also turns out to be a 'feeder' for our management team that will indeed be a 'win win' situation”.