A go-getting young recruit at SPAR UK Partner, A.F. Blakemore & Son, has celebrated becoming the first person to complete the company’s new Warehouse & Distribution apprenticeship programme.

Jen Davies completed the Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship at the company’s logistics division this summer.

After spending a year gaining core warehouse skills, including assembling, loading and fork-lift truck driving at the company’s head office in Willenhall, Jen successfully passed the end point assessment first time.

Jen is A.F. Blakemore’s first apprentice to successfully complete the new Supply Chain Warehouse Operative programme since the company re-launched its apprenticeship programme last year.

Commenting on how the apprenticeship has helped her grow, Jen said: “During my apprenticeship I’ve had a lot of support and motivation from all members of the team, and been given opportunities to work in different sections of the warehouse, from assembling orders in security to taking on administrative responsibilities in the despatch office.

“It’s also been great to work with other apprentices that have come into the business and pass on my knowledge of the warehouse and support them when they need it.”

Ambient Warehouse Operations Manager Adam Ball, who oversees the apprentices based at the ambient warehouse, said: “Apprentices will form a major part of our recruitment strategy moving towards 2020, as the business continues to search out hardworking and talented individuals.”

Now that she has completed the 12-month programme, Jen, who is a fully-fledged Warehouse Operative, will have the opportunity to succeed into a supervisory, managerial or driving role within Blakemore Logistics.

A.F. Blakemore is still recruiting Warehouse & Distribution apprentices at its head office in Willenhall. There is also a range of other apprenticeship programmes available at the company, including schemes in transport, admin and IT.

For more information visit: http://www.afblakemore.com/careers/apprenticeships

Source: SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom (UK) became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers obtained the SPAR licence from SPAR International. There are five regional partners with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A Central Office located in London provides national Marketing and Buying services for the group and supports the development of the SPAR Brand in the UK.

SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition in recent times. Always innovative, SPAR Partners have continued to grow the brand. A combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres and local neighbourhoods can be found throughout the country.