DCG Success Stories

Training apprentices via Derby College Group to fill permanent customer service roles is working well for Ripley-based national company Manthorpe Building Products.

Manthorpe has been working with DCG for around six years, and as a member of the UK employers’ organisation, the 5% Club, is committed to providing opportunities for people to earn as they learn.

Former DCG level 3 apprentice Olivia joined the company straight from school five years ago and is now customer care co-ordinator for the company’s South West region.

Olivia looks after all aspects of customer service including sales and delivery inquiries.

The company’s current DCG apprentice, Jessica, joined the business five months ago and is training for a similar full-time customer care role looking after customers in the South East.

Manthorpe’s managing director Paul Manning is pleased with the college’s apprenticeship programme.

He said: “We chose Derby College to deliver our customer care apprenticeships as it’s our local further education college with a good reputation for training provision and great facilities.”

“As members of the 5% club we are committed to investing in future generations and firmly believe that it’s our responsibility as an employer to provide opportunities to young people in our community.

“Apprentices bring a fresh, innovative approach to a business. They have a different way of looking at things. They’re young and enthusiastic and that enthusiasm rubs off on other people in the workforce.”

Manthorpe’s customer care staff are expected to have great people and organisational skills, with the ability to manage their time, work to deadlines and prioritise their workload.

Paul added: “Our apprentices learn all these valuable skills and benefit from a new confidence in their own abilities. They’re a great asset to the business.”

Manthorpe is a multi-award-winning designer, manufacturer and supplier of plastic injection moulded, vacuum formed and extruded products for the building industry, with extensive product ranges available throughout the UK.

The company has been trading for over 30 years and employs more than 100 people at its manufacturing facility in Ripley.

Investing in people remains at the core of its business strategy, with training and development programmes specifically targeting leadership development, continuous improvement and health and safety.

Paul added: “To continue our success we know we need to maintain a stable, reliable and diverse workforce – recruiting and retaining the right people and training the employees of the future, some via apprenticeships.”