The Bristol-based company was acquired last year by Premier Forest Products, which invested £250,000 in plant and machinery. First-quarter sales jumped 45% with volumes up 65%. Staff levels were set to increase by one-third this year.
Ellee Slater, 17, has signed up to a level 2 course in Business Administration, while James Wood, 16, and Robert Goscombe-Best, 17, will be working towards a warehousing and distribution qualification through the City of Bristol College.
Depot manager Phil Steadman said the company, which employs 20, intended to continue modernising the yard and expand to the retail trade. He said the apprenticeships were integral to the success of the company’s plans.
“The timber industry remains a very traditional business and does not attract many your people which, to me, is a failing of the sector as a whole,” said Mr Steadman.
“Every business needs enthusiastic and energetic young blood who will, hopfully, grow and develop with it and help bring fresh innovative ideas to the way the rest of the workforce operates.
