Training firm launches new warehouse course for unemployed young adults

Young people interested in starting a career in the warehousing sector are being invited to enrol on a new course with Performance Through People (PTP).

The four-week programme runs from 24 April and is available to people aged 19 and over who live in the West Midlands and are unemployed or economically inactive.

Those taking part will have work experience placements with A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, a food retail, wholesale and distribution specialist based in Willenhall, plus guaranteed interviews for jobs at the company after completing the course.

BCTG is organising the sector-based Work Academy Programme project (SWAP) on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, and it is being delivered by Performance Through People (PTP), part of the BCTG Group.

Paul Smith, business development manager at PTP, said “This is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed people who are interested in warehousing to take a detailed look at what roles are available with a quality employer. ”

Mr Smith explained that the course would offer support with English, maths and digital skills, and pre-employment training on the principles of warehousing, including manual handling, safe loading and health and safety.

Delegates on the course would be given an understanding of the importance of working as part of a team, including hazard perceptions, using different machinery, stock control, high value goods, regulations and delivering goods by road.

The work experience involves shadowing experienced workers at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, plus mentoring support from someone at that company.

Mr Smith added: “An extra bonus will be a guaranteed job interview at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd once the course has been completed.

“There will be an opportunity to take a Level 2 warehouse operative apprenticeship with the firm, building on their new knowledge and skills allowing them to demonstrate them in the workplace. ”

Anyone interested in joining the four-week programme can attend one of the information sessions which are to be held from 9.30am to 12 noon and from 1pm to 4pm on Monday 17 April at Performance Through People, Essex Terrace, Intown, Walsall, WS1 1SQ.

For more details, email Shelley Smith at [email protected] or call 01543 460050.