Conservatory Outlet , which employs more than 120 staff at its Thomas Wharf Lane factory , invested more than £ 130,000 into nurturing future talent over the last twelve months by continuing to offer access to vocational learning opportunities and ongoing professional development . This has resulted in Kyle Green being offered a full-time role in IT Support and Natalie Bossons , who joined in 2019 , now working as an Order Processor and developing her knowledge further by undertaking her Team Leader Level 3 qualification .

Eliza Auty , Kennedy Goodwin , and Georgie Tolley have all taken Order Processing positions , whilst Missy Mortimer has just

completed her apprenticeship in December and will continue to help drive the firm ’ s strategic marketing strategy in 2023 .

Karen Starkey , Head of HR at Conservatory Outlet , commented : “ We are one of Wakefield ’ s largest employers and believe it is critical to continue to offer new opportunities to local people .

“ As we continue to grow , we have to look at ways of developing our staff and we have found apprenticeships are the best way of doing this , with the latest tranche of young people qualifying and taking on full-time roles .”

She continued : “ The sizeable investment allows us to develop the individual in the ‘ CO ’ culture and we have a long and proven track record of offering progression

routes that lead into senior positions .

“ Our approach will continue in 2023 . Two new apprentices have just started with us , with Ben Bradbury and Sam Allan studying towards their Business Admin Level 3 and AAT course respectively .”

Apprenticeships are one element of a strategic training programme operated by Conservatory Outlet .

In addition to vocational learning , the Wakefield-based firm also offers ongoing pathways for staff keen to progress and develop new skills .

This ranges from putting Joshua Child through his AAT and Karla Watson working towards her CIPD Level 3 ( both at Wakefield College ) to Ben

Strutt ( Business and Professional Administration Level 4 ), Jo Davies ( Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technical Level 3 ) and Nikki Lewis undertaking her Marketing Manager Level 6 Apprenticeship .

Karen went on to add : “ As a business , we are always trying to push the boundaries of what we can achieve , and we can only manage this by investing in our people and futureproofing their skills .

“ This was reflected in 2022 when we invested a further £ 100,000 into creating a new sales training academy , a move that was in response to a shortage of new talent coming into the industry .”

She concluded : “ We have extended this offer to all our

retailers , and this is steadily developing new individuals that will hit the ground running when they join our sector .”

Conservatory Outlet is one of Yorkshire ’ s fastest growing manufacturers , supplying a range of conservatories , doors , extensions , orangeries and windows , with the latest advancements in UPVC , composite and aluminium technology regularly added to its ranges .

The firm continues to support the Conservatory Outlet Network , which comprises 29 leading regional retailers , and this has helped increase turnover by 20 % since 2020 .

www . conservatoryoutlet . co . uk