Knapp apprentices complete training
March 1st 2011 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." More articles from KNAPP UK Ltd: | 
