News: Best Buy take on apprentices in Rotherham

Best Buy UK is working on a one-store trial basis with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), training providers The Source Skills Academy and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT), to deliver qualifications and develop the skills of the team working in the Rotherham store.

Opening in June, the store at Parkgate Shopping has created around 100 new jobs in the town and the training will help any employees participating in the trial scheme to work towards gaining an Apprenticeship including an NVQ in a number of subjects within retail management including; Customer Service, Business Administration, Hospitality and Logistics.

The Best Buy initiative was inspired by the Rotherham "100 in 100" National Apprenticeship Service campaign which is running across South Yorkshire with the aim of 100 local companies committing to recruit or start to train 100 apprentices in 100 days.

Steve Cooke, general manager at Best Buy Rotherham, said: "We're really looking forward to opening our doors to the public in June, and working with all the partners involved in this initiative is a really great way for us to nurture and support talented local people.

"Participating employees from Best Buy will be given the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working, providing practical and functional skills to support them in their daily roles and future career."

Mike Long, Employer Services Manager at NAS added: "We are delighted that Best Buy has committed to realising the business benefits of Apprenticeships by deciding to train many of their new employees at Rotherham as apprentices, in order to develop the skills of the workforce and to support the growth ambitions of the company.

"We look forward to working with and supporting Best Buy to help make the Apprenticeship trial a success."

Mike Denby, business communication manager at The Source, said: "Best Buy is a great example of a local company, with global reach, which values the importance of apprentices within an organisation. The aim of the scheme is to produce shining stars who will be the Retail Managers of the future.

"At The Source, we are fortunate to be able to work with such a fresh and innovative company, supporting their objectives for the future."

Paul Edwards, business advisor, RCAT commented: "Rotherham College of Arts and Technology are keen to support Best Buy in inspiring their staff to achieve qualifications which will provide practical and theoretical skills.

"The Apprenticeship framework also includes numeracy and literacy support and provides a rounded employee. Strengthening the skills of staff members will support the organisation grow and achieve its business goals."

Best Buy website
Parkgate Shopping website
The Source website
RCAT website

Images: bestbuy.co.uk