Topps Tiles, the UK’s leading tile and wood flooring specialist, has launched its 2014 apprenticeship scheme, offering thirty-three apprentice placements across its nationwide network of stores.
The scheme invites apprentices to join their local Topps Tiles sales team where they are mentored on every aspect of the retail business. In addition to helping to maintain store operations and delivering the high standards Topps Tiles customers are accustomed to, the apprentices will be responsible for supporting management in driving and maximising sales opportunities. Topps Tiles is committed to inspiring its teams to deliver excellent customer service, which exceeds customer expectations through engagement with individual customer projects and identifying their specific needs to create the looks they aspire to.
The 12-month placements, which start on Tuesday 11 March, include regular training days and group sessions throughout the year - locations of each placement means successful apprentices should be able to secure a position within a nearby Topps Tiles store after the scheme.
The vacancies close on Friday 7 February, with telephone interviews scheduled to take place throughout February. Successful applicants will then be interviewed by store managers before being placed.
Topps Tiles was one of over 1,600 entrants for last year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which celebrates the achievements of the country’s most outstanding apprenticeship employers and their apprentices. The Leicester-headquartered retailer was ‘highly commended’ within the East Midlands BAE Systems Large Employer of the Year category and was also recognised as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer.
Laure Morris, Topps Tiles Training and Qualifications Manager, said: “We’re so proud of our apprenticeship scheme. Our staff members are the backbone of Topps Tiles and we’ve enjoyed nurturing some of the best specialists in the business. It’s fantastic to be launching this year’s scheme, which allows us to develop the next generation of Topps Tiles talent and encourage apprentices to build real careers within our growing business. We’d welcome anyone with a passion for our business and drive to succeed to apply.”
Terry Downing, a customer services assistant at Topps Westfield who graduated from the 2011/12 apprentice programme, said:
“The best thing about my apprenticeship programme was going out for training days and meeting members of the senior management team, including CEO Matt Williams. It's great to have this opportunity as others in the store don't and it makes us feel special.”
Topps Tiles stores participating in the scheme are; Bridgend, Hillington, Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird, Peterborough Boongate, Northampton Orbital, Colchester, Martlesham, North Finchley, Milton Keynes, Letchworth, Enderby, Bishops Stortford, Huntingdon, Clifton Moor, Tamworth, Shrewsbury, Cheadle, Oldham, Morecambe, Preston, Birkenhead, Solihull, Fenton, Byfleet, Fulham, Bexhill, Guildford, Poole, Plymouth, Cheltenham, Bridgwater, Croydon Thornton and Oxford Cowley.
For more information on Topps Tiles apprenticeship scheme, please visit: https://apprenticeshipvacancymatchingservice.lsc.gov.uk/navms/Forms/Candidate/Apprenticeships.aspx
