Pictured: (l-r) Natalie Smith, Operations Manager, Ross Newey, Contract Packing Supervisor and Gill Hiatt Sales and New Business Development Manager

A multi temperature supply chain specialist in warehousing and logistics, Oakland International has been delighted to have signed up to be involved in a key Apprenticeship Scheme in the West Midlands, '100 Apprentices in 100 days', an initiative to boost local employment from education, offering apprenticeship places to talented students from Worcester College.

Oakland International has now signed up five of their employees to the scheme under the college's dedicated training arm, Unique Skills People.

Jointly organised by Worcester News and the National Apprenticeship Service, with further support from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Worcestershire County Council, this challenge will see 100 young people from local colleges and educational establishments gaining apprenticeships with regional businesses such as Oakland International during the 100 day period.

David Hoey, Oakland International's HR and Purchasing Director stated: "As a company we are committed to the ongoing investment in our staff and their training. It's far more than just about filling vacancies, at Oakland International we take into consideration the long term retention implications and the need to match the right people with the right job.

"By providing the right training foundation we believe we can satisfy our ambitious growth plans for the future and ensure we lead, challenge, train, develop and motivate our teams in ways that will both benefit the business and their personal development objectives."

In addition to apprentices, North East Worcestershire College will also be providing training for other Oakland International employees with NVQs in Business Administration and Warehouse and Storage.  Oakland International is clearly committed to providing the right training opportunities.

Continuing to attract businesses from across the county, the 100 in 100 apprentices' campaign continues to grow in momentum. A major local employer, Oakland International has provided distribution solutions for the UK, Ireland and continental Europe for over 13 years, and continues to enjoy rapid growth in export sales. With currently employees numbering in excess of 180, Oakland has plans to create an additional 30 new jobs before the end of 2011, and shows no signs of slowing down.

For more information about Oakland International, please visit their website here: www.oakland-international.com