Home > News

In addition to being a recognised training provider for apprenticeships in retail, hospitality and business administration, The Source in Sheffield also employs its own apprentices.

It is a set-up that is helping them to reap the rewards, according to Business Communication Manager Mike Denby.

"Part of our job involves encouraging employers to engage the apprenticeship schemes and use The Source as their training provider," he says. "We want to lead by example by showing them how successful our apprentices are and the considerable benefits that they bring to the business.

"As employers, we've found that apprenticeships improve motivation because employees have a recognised qualification to aim towards, and this in turn helps to improve staff retention. We've also found that apprentices tend to be very hard-working and determined to do well, which are qualities that any employer would want."

The Source, which is based opposite Sheffield's Meadowhall shopping centre, delivers apprenticeships in retail, business administration, customer service, distribution and warehousing and hospitality. Many of the apprentices work at shops and outlets in Meadowhall, but some have administrative positions within various departments of The Source itself.

"We introduced our apprenticeship scheme in 2004. Presently we have three apprentices, all of whom we took on when we needed extra help," adds Mike. "They get to benefit from our support while they work towards their qualifications, at the same time they gain vital work experience and earn money. They're particularly lucky because if they have any problems with their course, their assessors are on-site to help answer any questions they may have, so it works well for them.

"Having well-trained staff is so important, particularly in the current economic climate where every sale counts. Apprenticeships are one effective way in which employers can improve the skills and knowledge of their staff, and in turn, improve the overall performance of their business. The young people we've taken on have all thrived under the scheme, and we would definitely recommend it to others."