OVER THE past five years, Edinburgh-based water retailer Business Stream has kickstarted the careers of 43 of the industry’s newest talent, offering training and support to develop vital professional skills.
Celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Business Stream continues to unlock the potential of apprentices, coaching them over a 12-month period to gain a Customer Service SCQF Level 5 qualification. To date, the business has helped 25 modern apprentices, with the vast majority being offered a permanent position on completion of the programme.
Working in collaboration with specialist apprenticeship recruitment agency Limelight Careers, the apprentices are encouraged to learn key skills, including communication, teamwork, problem solving, information and communication technology and numeracy.
The modern apprentices learn on the job in a supportive environment, with Limelight Careers responsible for assisting them through their modules and assessments.
Business Stream has also been a key supporter of Career Ready, a National Social Mobility Charity, offering mentoring and paid work experience placements to 18 high school students since 2019. The water retailer has also helped deliver skills masterclasses, reaching over 350 students across Scotland as part of the Career Ready Skills for Success programme.
Jo Dow, Chief Executive of Business Stream, said: “We’ve been delighted to be able to offer a Modern Apprenticeship programme over the years and even more proud of the fact that the vast majority of young people who take part are offered a permanent position at Business Stream on completion.
“Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the importance of providing talented young people with an alternative route to University or other employment. Apprenticeships play an essential role by providing opportunities to grow and nurture talent through the business, while offering young people work experience, and the opportunity to apply learning, all while getting paid fairly.
“During a time when many industries are experiencing a skills shortage, it’s vital that young people are given opportunities to develop their skills and take their first steps towards achieving their career goals. Our Modern Apprenticeship programme and partnership with Career Ready are a fantastic way of doing this.”
In 2019, Business Stream launched its vision to make a positive difference to its customers, its people, the environment and its local communities. To help bring its vision to life, the retailer has launched over 25 new initiatives to date, including developing its partnership with Career Ready and delivering its school outreach programme.
