An innovative bathroom products supplier has announced the launch of a new training academy, which is designed to support employees to excel in their roles, as well as provide access to progression and growth.
HiB, a major supplier to UK and Irish bathroom retailers, has announced the launch of a new training programme to support new and existing employees. Under the programme, known as the ‘HiB Academy, individuals will be able to take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities, as well as earn industry recognised qualifications.
New apprentices and existing warehouse staff will be among the first recruits to take part in the programme, with the latter completing a 12-month HABC recognised certification in Supply Chain Warehousing. It is hoped that as the academy matures, more apprentices and courses can be offered to other departments across the company.
Existing warehouse staff will be among the first HiB Academy recruits
HiB was founded when now chairman Wareen Ginsberg began selling bathroom mirrors from his North London home in 1990. From these humble roots as a fledgling business, HiB is now a 100-plus strong operation, with its headquarters in New Southgate, North London and a 85,000 Sq.ft national distribution centre near Tamworth in the Midlands.
HiB has pioneered numerous product innovations, including colour changing technology, steam-free mirrors, LED lighting in mirrors and cabinets featuring Bluetooth and USB integration. All new concepts are designed by the company’s in-house product development team, who are responsible for ensuring all new products are designed, developed and tested before UK and export distribution.
The launch of the HiB Academy reinforces HiB’s core values of supporting employees to excel in their role and achieving more together. It also supports the firm’s recruitment and learning development strategy and ensures that all employees have access to progression and growth, no matter what stage of their career they are at.
Emma Cuggy, Customer and Employee Experience Director at HiB said: “As a company we are committed to providing all our staff with the tools they need to succeed in their careers. The HiB Academy is a fantastic opportunity to offer training and development courses to our team across our London head office and Tamworth distribution site, empowering them with the skills to achieve their goals.
“We want the HiB Academy to be a centre for growth, learning and achievement for all. Those joining the Academy will be following a structured programme to help them develop the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to thrive at HiB for years to come.”
Robert Ginsberg, Managing Director at HiB added: “As a leading supplier of innovative bathroom products it is important that we not only lead the way in terms of product design and customer services, but also in staff development and training opportunities. By launching the HiB Academy we are offering new recruits and existing employees the opportunity to learn new skills that not only benefit their progression and success in their role, but also the industry on the whole, allowing us to care for our community and achieve together, which are just some of our core values.
“The Academy is a very positive step forward by trying a different kind of recruitment drive and I look forward to seeing how it grows and expands in the future.”
The launch of the HiB Academy coincides with Learning at Work Week, which takes place from 5th – 11th October 2020 and is designed to promote learning cultures in the workplace.
*Header image: Inspire House, HiB’s national distribution centre. All images courtesy of HiB
