Normans links up for apprentice scheme

Burton-based Normans Musical Instruments has struck an apprenticeship partnership with Burton and South Derbyshire College.

The dealer began employing apprentices in its warehouse a few years ago when looking for additional staff that could be trained up.

The apprentices in the warehouse have been extremely successful, with all becoming full-time employees. The company has now branched out by taking on a customer service apprentice in its sales team and is looking to expand the range of opportunities it can offer in the future.

Speaking about the company’s support of apprenticeships, director of Normans Musical Instruments, Andy McKeown, said: “Taking on apprentices has been great for the business and I’m delighted to say that every single one has been a real asset to the company.

“We also feel that we’re putting something back into the community by supporting local youngsters who are keen to develop their skills in a work-based environment. For any business, apprenticeships are a low risk way of recruiting new full-time staff. They genuinely want to come to work and are committed to doing the job well, and when we find good people, we do whatever we can to keep them.”

Former apprentice and now permanent warehouse operative at the company, Taylor Reid, said: “I was in sixth form doing my A Levels but I wasn’t sure it was the right path for me. I decided to give an apprenticeship a go as it gets you into the working environment. If you’re unsure about what career to do, apprenticeships give you the chance to gain skills and grow into an adult.

“It’s an opportunity to get some money behind you and get on the career ladder. Once you get your foot in the door at a company, you never know what it can lead to.”