Nottinghamshire pupils are being given the chance to walk into a £30,000 job, including a company BMW, straight from school.
Europa Worldwide Group has launched a new recruitment programme starting in its Nottingham branch - which also includes other perks.
The new Rapid Career Development Programme has been created to recruit passionate people straight from school and the business hopes the new recruits will lead it in the future.
Managing Director at Europa Andrew Baxter said: “I’m a passionate advocate of learning on the job and gaining experience in your chosen career path without the burden of starting a career in debt.
"I personally didn’t go to university and started working straight from school – and today I’m directing an international business, employing 900 staff on course to exceed the £220m turnover mark by the end of this year.
"That’s why we launched this programme – to find the young people out there who have the same drive and passion as myself and my senior team and to embed them within our business from a young age.”
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Europa Worldwide Group is a specialist road, air & sea and warehouse operator which employs 900 staff across its 16 sites in the UK, plus Belgium, Czech Republic and Hong Kong, Europa has ambitious plans to expand to a £400m turnover operator in the next four years through a combination of organic growth and further acquisitions.
The first successful candidate to secure a job at the £180m turnover business’s Nottingham branch in Colwick Quays Business Park is 18-year-old Max Holbrook who attended Redhill Academy in Arnold.
Max excelled through a rigorous application process which involved a written application, submission of his final school report and predicted A-Level grades as well as a one-on-one half an hour interview.
He said: “This is a great opportunity, I feel like I’m learning every day – this isn’t an apprenticeship it’s more unique, and I’m glad to be part of such a great team here in Nottingham.
“I knew in the sixth form that University wasn’t the best option for me, I worked in retail whilst I was at school and wanted to get into a career straightaway rather than continue in education.
"I find it’s much better to learn hands-on especially with an experienced company in an ever-growing industry.”
The aim of the RCDP is to attract young people who are savvy, full of common sense and eager to learn – with the pilot set to be rolled out to Europa Road’s 13 other UK branches this year.
Branch and sales director at Europa Dionne Redpath said: “We’re delighted that Max has become the first appointment on our unique RCDP at our Nottingham branch. He really impressed at interview and demonstrated a natural flair already.
“This is a career jumpstart programme – learning on the job from our experienced account managers.
"The four-year programme will see Max progress from junior/ trainee team members to experienced account managers earning upwards of £30,000 per year, with a company car phone and laptop plus annual performance related bonuses.
"This sort of opportunity for school leavers is rare, if not unheard of in my experience, and we’re thrilled to be leading the way in piloting such an exciting and dynamic initiative.”
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