Holiday homes giant Willerby has launched its biggest apprenticeship recruitment drive in its 75-year history.
More than 30 will be taken on across a range of roles, three times more than on any previous occasion as the sector booms.
The Hull-headquartered team said the move reflects the rapid growth of the business, driven by the increasing popularity of the 海角视频 staycation.
It follows a major recruitment drive for a new production line to meet the surging demand for high quality holiday homes.
Willerby chief executive Peter Munk said: “Our business continues to grow and this huge intake of apprentices is the next step in our drive to meet increasing demand for holiday homes, as well as developing fresh new talent for our business and industry.
“More and more people are now discovering the significant benefits of staycations and short breaks in the 海角视频 and embracing the holiday home lifestyle.
“It’s a very exciting time for the sector and we’re delighted to be able to offer these fantastic opportunities, which will help futureproof our business for years to come.”
The latest roles include Level Two and Level Three apprenticeships in carpentry, finance, engineering, IT, electrical, marketing and customer care.
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From apprentice to holiday home production line supervisor
Willerby has a long-standing commitment to growing its own talent through apprenticeships and increasing the skills base in the local area.
Many of the current workforce have developed their careers through this route.
Mark Cook joined Willerby as a plumbing apprentice in 2012, aged 16, progressing to become a qualified gas engineer, and is now a holiday home production line supervisor.
He said the apprenticeships Willerby is offering will open up similar positive opportunities for dozens more young people.
Mark said: “Starting my career as an apprentice at Willerby gave me the chance to progress well and quickly. It’s a really good company to work for, there are plenty of opportunities for progression and I’m a good example of that.
“An apprenticeship is the best way to get a trade under your belt and learn while you earn. You get out of life what you put in and it’s good to get your head down and get stuck in.
“That’s what I’ve done at Willerby and now I have my own house and family and a baby on the way. I’ll always be grateful to Willerby for the opportunity.”
Willerby will be partnering with Hull Business Training Centre and East Riding College to deliver the apprenticeships, from September, building on existing relationships with providers.
Ahead of July’s new production line launch, almost 100 roles have been filled, swelling Willerby’s workforce to more than 1,100.
The business currently produces 7,500 holiday homes, lodges and residential park homes each year and the new facility will increase capacity to more than 8,000.
Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy has welcomed the news.
She said: “As we all know, the caravan industry is an important employer in our region, especially following the pandemic.
“As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Apprenticeships, I feel it’s hugely important for young people to have a variety of career paths, and having high quality apprenticeships is crucial.
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“I will continue to champion the importance of apprenticeships in Parliament and it’s good to see these opportunities arising in our local area.”
A careers open day for those will take place at its showground in Hull from 9.30am to 2pm on Saturday, July 17, with a particular focus on the apprenticeships.
Attendees will be able to meet members of the senior management team, have a tour of the factory and view Willerby’s completed holiday homes, lodges and residential park homes.