Royal Mail’s apprenticeship scheme shortlisted for prestigious awards
Royal Mail’s commitment to the workforce of the future has won its apprenticeship scheme a coveted position in the shortlist for the 2007 World Mail awards prize.
Seen as the “Oscars” for mail companies around the world the Royal Mail scheme is vying for top honours in the People Management section of the awards.
Since its launch in 2005 the Apprenticeship Scheme has established its own qualification framework by working with outside bodies, including the Sector Skills Council, and has already seen a huge jump in the retention rates of young people and a drastic reduction in the levels of sickness.
Royal Mail’s Skills Deployment Manager Cheryl Simons said: “Prior to the introduction of the Apprenticeship Scheme Royal Mail identified specific problems with the young people who joined the organisation. The scheme aimed at attracting, developing and retaining high-calibre postmen and women, developing talent and managers of the future and developing business culture at the front line of the business.”
The scheme is open to new and existing employees aged 16-24. Recruits follow a flexible 18-month programme and as well as undertaking a full range of tasks across the business they complete a Level 2 NVQ in Mail Services. The scheme also allows the identification of some recruits to be a coach to other apprentices or manager in the future.
Cheryl added: “After the first year of the scheme we have successfully recruited 300 young people and retained more than 250 of them. Already it has allowed us to identify some truly great potential for the future of the business as well as developing some dedicated postmen and women.
“We are delighted that our hard work in targeting the workforce of the future has been recognised and look forward to the final of this prestigious award scheme.”
The World Mail Awards aims at encouraging best practice within the mail industry worldwide. The People Management award recognises that postal authorities are among the world’s largest employers and internal relationships and good people management significantly reflect on the competitive advantage and success of the company.
Final judging will take place hours before the gala dinner on May 21st at the Novotel London West Hotel, London.
