RS Components plugs into Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship programme

The Supply Chain Academy and CP Training are thrilled to welcome RS Components (RS) to its Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship programme.

The trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, RS is a global provider of industrial and electronic products and services, and is the latest in an ever-expanding list of major businesses to respond to the compelling benefits the degree programme delivers. The degree apprenticeship, run in conjunction with Leeds Trinity University, has grown significantly with over 200 degree apprentices participating since its inception in 2018.

RS has an inspiring strategy of increasing the number of apprenticeship new starters each year. Last year, RS announced its membership of ‘The 5% Club’ an important UK Government-backed initiative in which employer members aspire to achieve a target of 5% of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions within five years of joining the club.

The company chose Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship because they were attracted to its flexible work-based approach and successful track record for working with other large global businesses. Our faculty of lecturers and consultants have over 30 years’ experience of working within various areas of the supply chain, so the language and materials used are up-to-date and highly relevant.

Tim Beasley, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at RS commented: “Our apprentices are learning new tools and techniques that are both relevant and practical. Working with both the Supply Chain Academy and Leeds Trinity University has been a refreshing experience. They make it feel natural and seamless to link the realms of academia and commercial activity.”

Alex Mortimer, Commercial Director of the Supply Chain Academy: “We are delighted to be working with RS Components.  Degree apprenticeships are a great way to develop yourself and build on your skills and confidence. Most businesses now appreciate apprenticeships are a powerful means of creating, inspiring and retaining a highly skilled workforce.”

These sentiments were echoed by Jodie Fogell, RS Apprentice on the programme, who said, “This programme has given me the chance to gain ‘on the job’ experience whilst gaining a Level 6 degree qualification in the process. The support structure is great as everyone fully supports the programme and everyone is eager to help should I ever need it! I am very grateful to RS for allowing me to kick start my career by hitting the ground running.”

The increasing popularity of the programme means it is running at  four new intakes each year. The great news for businesses is that investing in their people through the degree scheme doesn’t carry a financial burden as it can be funded via the Government’s apprenticeship levy.

In September 2018, in response to the increasing demand for highly skilled supply chain professionals, the Supply Chain Academy through its training arm, CP Training and in partnership with Leeds Trinity University, started the delivery of the first work-based supply chain degree apprenticeship, paid for by the employer Apprenticeship Levy.

For more information about please don’t hesitate to contact Alex Mortimer on 01708 259 450  or email him at: am@supplychainacademy.org.uk