Knapp apprentices complete training

Warehouse automation supplier Knapp UK recently celebrated the fact that its first apprentices have successfully completed their indentured training programme.

The apprentices are based at the distribution centre of Knapp customer, Clarks, in Street, Somerset, where Knapp's resident customer support technicians have maintained the shoe giant's automated handling and storage systems since their installation in 2005. From its Westway DC, Clarks distributes some 26 million pairs of shoes every year.

Following the example set by its parent group in Austria, Knapp UK has instigated an apprenticeship scheme to create qualified and skilled engineers to maintain its clients' automated logistics systems. The first two apprentices to graduate from the scheme - Christopher Stone and Jonathan Nichol, both from Taunton - attended Bridgewater College on day release while receiving on-the-job training at the Westway DC, where they will now work on a permanent basis. The apprentices were presented with their sealed indenture, framed certificate and an engraved watch.

At the celebration, David James, managing director of Knapp UK, says: "While many other students are gap-yearing and choosing academic courses without knowing what their future career path will be, our apprentices have become skilled technicians - without incurring tuition fee debts and having paid their own living expenses while training. The trend for our customers to outsource the support of their systems to us is strengthening, so we need skilled technicians who can maintain our clients' complex systems and prevent downtime."