Ricoh UK Products Ltd Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships

We are delighted to announce that Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) has been honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships award at the Shrewsbury Colleges Group Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday, 30th January. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals.

Shrewsbury Colleges Group collaborates with over 600 local employers, making this achievement even more significant as it highlights the exceptional standard of our apprenticeship programme.

Citation from Shrewsbury College

Mark Brown of Shrewsbury College Group commended our company’s dedication to apprenticeships, stating:

Employer Contribution to Apprenticeships

Ricoh UK Products has established itself as an exemplary employer of apprentices, earning recognition for its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an environment where young professionals can thrive. Through its extensive support of apprentices, involvement in the WorldSkills competition, and mentorship of other employers, Ricoh demonstrates how a company can effectively contribute to the development of the next generation of skilled workers.

Commitment to Apprenticeships

Ricoh UK Products has long understood the value of apprenticeships, both for the apprentices themselves and the broader workforce. By offering diverse apprenticeship programs, through varying Training Providers, in areas such as IT, engineering, customer service, and business administration, Ricoh provides individuals with hands-on experience that helps them develop crucial skills. Apprentices gain the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, learning not only technical competencies but also the soft skills essential for career success. Ricoh’s approach is holistic, offering apprentices structured training programs that include real-world projects, professional development opportunities, and access to a network of supportive mentors.

This commitment to apprenticeships reflects Ricoh’s broader strategy of investing in people. By integrating apprentices into its workforce, Ricoh ensures that they are not only trained to meet the specific needs of the company but also develop the broader skills required for long-term career growth. Many of Ricoh’s apprentices have progressed into full-time roles within the company, illustrating the success of their apprenticeship schemes.

Support for WorldSkills Competitors

Ricoh’s dedication to supporting apprentices goes beyond the workplace. The company has played an active role in encouraging apprentices to compete in WorldSkills, an international competition that highlights excellence in vocational training. This competition brings together the best apprentices from around the globe, allowing them to showcase their skills on a world stage.

Ricoh provides apprentices competing in WorldSkills with comprehensive support, including mentorship, additional training, and resources to help them succeed. This investment in their development not only benefits the apprentices but also enhances Ricoh’s reputation as a company that values excellence and innovation. Ricoh UK’s apprentices have excelled in these competitions, demonstrating the high standards of training and support provided by the company, bringing home both gold and silver awards.

By encouraging its apprentices to participate in WorldSkills, Ricoh fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This experience boosts the apprentices’ confidence, sharpens their skills, and gives them exposure to global standards, making them better equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern workplace.

Mentor for Other Employers

Ricoh’s success as an employer of apprentices has also positioned the company as a mentor for other businesses looking to enhance their apprenticeship programs. The company actively shares best practices with other employers, offering guidance on how to structure apprenticeship schemes, provide meaningful mentorship, and create a supportive work environment for young professionals. By sharing their experience and offering mentorship to other businesses, Ricoh helps to create a stronger, more skilled workforce across industries.

Through partnerships with training providers, industry bodies, and skills advisory panels, Ricoh promotes the importance of apprenticeships and the value they bring to both employers and the wider economy. The company’s advice focuses on creating apprenticeship programs that offer real opportunities for growth and development, ensuring that apprentices are seen as an integral part of the business rather than temporary hires.

Celebrating Our Success

Claire Shepherd, Learning & Development Officer and Apprenticeship Programme Lead, expressed her pride in receiving this award:

"Needless to say, I am immensely proud of this achievement – a collective team effort. We should be so proud of the programme we have built and all the apprentices who work so hard to make our programme the success that it is today. Without their engagement, drive, and passion, none of this would be possible."

Join Our Award-Winning Apprenticeship Programme

Established in 1990, our well-structured apprenticeship programme has been instrumental in developing future talent. We seek ambitious candidates who are eager to take ownership of their development and strive to exceed their potential.

An apprenticeship with RPL provides a unique opportunity to gain:

• Practical, hands-on industry experience

• Nationally recognised qualifications

• A structured development programme

• Mentorship from industry experts

• A competitive salary while learning

Our apprentices rotate through key business areas to gain a comprehensive understanding of our operations while studying through our partner colleges and universities.

Stay Updated on Future Opportunities

We continuously evolve our apprenticeship programmes to meet industry demands, and new opportunities arise each year. While not all apprenticeships are available annually, we encourage aspiring professionals to explore the exciting prospects that emerge.

We begin advertising our apprenticeship vacancies in February, so keep an eye on our Career Opportunities page and follow us on social media for the latest updates.