Walkers Transport hires former apprentices after funding their qualifications

Walkers Transport will welcome two new staff members to its Manchester depot next month after putting them through their apprenticeship qualifications.

Sophie Bleakley and Erica Burns will join the customer service and transport departments at the 3PL respectively, after completing their level-3 apprenticeships in customer services and business administration.

Funded by Walkers' apprenticeship levy proceeds, Bleakley and Burns were both trained at Rochdale Training in association with Palletways member Walkers.

Georgina Farrell, trainer and assessor from Rochdale Training, said: “Sophie and Erica have maintained a positive attitude to their learning, engaging positively with monthly visits, assessments and independent learning.

"It has been a pleasure to work with both of them to support them with their qualification and see them develop in confidence. I have no doubt that they will continue to thrive at Walkers on a personal and professional level.”

Walkers Transport's group HR manager Amy Russell said that it will "most certainly look to repeat the success we've had with Sophie and Erica", and added that the business intends to add more apprentices to its recruitment plan.

Russell added that following a management buyout in late 2017, Walkers Transport "has big ambitions and we aim to create opportunities in all areas of our business from transport through to sales".

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