#NAW2021 Employer Case Study: WestRock - Investing in staff through apprenticeships

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.

Through embedding a culture of continual professional development within your organisation, both your employees and your business will benefit. Find out more from Jon Wood, Operations Director at WestRock Tewkesbury, who explains why apprenticeships form a crucial part of their business.

WestRock - Investing in staff through apprenticeships

Why does your business support apprenticeships?

We have a well invested facility in Tewkesbury, and we take the view that we need to have equal investment with our staff. Through this type of training, we believe the candidate and the overall business are stronger as a result.

As somebody that has experienced an apprenticeship at the start of my career, I have first-hand experience of how useful the process can be.

How do apprenticeships benefit your business?

Most businesses will rely on a continuous improvement mentality. By providing new skill sets and better exposure to best practice, the apprenticeship programme allows the business to function well whilst aligning its value to the overall business objectives.

Do you have any tips for how to mentor apprentices?

Start with a good candidate! And then share your experience, challenge and debate with your apprentice in a constructive way.

Would you recommend investing in apprenticeships to other Gloucestershire Businesses?

Why not! The sacrifice a business makes to fund and nurture apprenticeship programmes is a small price for the reward of a well-schooled motivated individual that protects site retention levels and also promotes personal development.

Apprenticeships are a win-win for employees and their employers

George Raggatt, Team Leader at WestRock, is completing our Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College. When asked if he would recommend the apprenticeship, he commented: “It is certainly worth doing the apprenticeship because of the benefits it can have to yourself and your team. Being able to lead your team with the newfound knowledge that you will learn is only going to help improve things in the workplace. It helps to build stronger relationships with your team, improves your management style and gives you the tools you need to work to the best of your ability.” Read more about George’s apprenticeship experience here.

Start a leadership apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College

Find out more about our leadership programmes below:

Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship

Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship

Contact: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 for more information.

Recruit an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers. Our GC Business Hub team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business.

Our management programmes are ideal to develop the future leaders of your business and we offer apprenticeships in HR, Marketing, Customer Service and Accountancy too. Contact our team today to find out more via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400.