The popular Newcastle-based bakers Greggs has teamed up with Gateshead College to launch a nationwide apprenticeship programme.
The apprentices will be trained in either retail management or retail services skills.
The bakers chose Gateshead College to help roll out its apprenticeship scheme after a competitive tendering process.
The apprentices following the retail services programme will learn customer service and sales skills and take part in workplace health and safety and equality and diversity training. Those on the management programme will also gain skills in management, motivation and conflict resolution.
The apprentices will be taken on in locations including London, Bristol, Greater Manchester, the Midlands and Norfolk. Around 20 will be taken on in the north east.
Rosie Curran, Greggs’ people and retail director, said, “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Gateshead College on this exciting project, which is a great way of bringing new skills and fresh ideas into our business.”
“We chose Gateshead College because of its long-standing history of providing high-quality education and training and invaluable expertise in delivering apprenticeship programmes.”
Greggs has teamed up with Gateshead College to deliver national apprenticeship scheme. Read more here: https://t.co/LsZ1E20red pic.twitter.com/RUDRAwL6Y7
— Gateshead College (@gatesheadcoll) October 10, 2017
The director of business development at Gateshead College, Ivan Jepson, said, “We’re delighted to be developing this bespoke apprenticeship programme with Greggs, an iconic national business with strong roots in the north east.”
“It’s great that the company is investing in apprenticeships and has chosen us to help build a professional, skilled workforce for the future.”
Greggs began in Gosforth when John Gregg inherited a family business that dealt in yeast and eggs. By 1951, John had opened his first shop on Gosforth High Street and when he retired his sons Ian and Colin took charge of the business.
Today, Greggs serves over 6 million customers per week. The company has around 1,800 UK outlets, more than McDonalds or Starbucks. In 2016, Greggs made a profit of £73 million.
Greggs is now planning to open more shops in the south west of England and in Ireland.
If you would like to apply for the apprenticeship scheme or find out more information, please go to www.greggsfamily.co.uk.
(Featured image courtesy of Unisouth, from Wikimedia Commons)
