Topps Tiles PLC
Topps Tiles PLC is so committed to the learning and development of its employees that it independently created and funded its own Training and Qualifications Team. This has already resulted in promotions, 600 formal qualifications and a 10 per cent higher staff retention rate.
In place of an external training provider, the new team has become a fully functioning education centre, in association with Leicester College and approved by both City and Guilds and the Institute of Leadership & Management.
All staff undertaking qualifications in the organisation are allocated at least half an hour per week, fully paid, for learning and so far 107 staff have been promoted after completing development programmes. In addition to apprenticeships and retail certificates, staff have access to a full e-learning programme and an online ‘learning zone’, and Topps Tiles has supported 600 retail staff in their achievement of formal qualifications over the past three years.
To increase maths and English skills within the organisation, employees are given the opportunity to gain qualifications in these subjects. The chance to build on numeracy and literacy skills is greatly valued, particularly by staff who left school many years ago.
Jack Whitehead from the Stockport store commented: “My Apprenticeship has not only given me a massive boost to my morale and confidence, it has also pushed me to test myself more and take on the Advanced Apprenticeship.”