During this time training has formed a key part of our growth strategy. Our recruitment policy has been to target local school leavers who, following an initial trial period, are employed on an apprentice training scheme and, if successful, achieve qualifications to a minimum of Level 3 Advanced City and Guilds.

Each year, we contact all the local senior schools in an attempt to offer an alternative way of learning
for students aged 16 who now have to remain in some form of formal studies.

We operate our apprentice training scheme in partnership with North Lancashire Training, which is widely recognised as one of the leading
furniture making apprenticeships in the country.

We then continue to offer on the job training throughout our staff’s careers, and as a result 50% of our management team began their careers
with the company as trainees in the factory.

We have recently expanded our commitment to training and learning by offering a more office-based  Business Administration Apprenticeship.

Many of our staff have been with us since leaving school and some since Sylvan was founded in 1995.  Our retention rate is excellent and over 50% of the team have been with the company for over 10 years

On the job training is provided by experts who have been working in industry for years  – so we learn from the best!

I have been here a year today and it is the best year of my life.

I love working for Sylvan, it feels like one big family.

 Everyone looks out for each other and everyone is approachable.