Renowned tea and coffee experts Ringtons is on the search for five new apprentices including one in Newton Aycliffe for its traditional doorstep delivery service following the successful introduction of two recruits to its apprenticeship programme.

The family-business is looking for five enthusiastic, passionate and ambitious recruits to join the 110-year-old company under its new Customer Services Apprenticeship Programme at three sites in Newton Aycliffe, Chesterfield and Birstall. The Ringtons Newton Aycliffe office operates 13 vans which provide regular deliveries to over 15,000 customers in the area.

The Customer Services Apprentices will be responsible for helping keep the nation in its favourite tea, coffee and biscuits via the company’s traditional doorstep delivery service which caters to over 240,000 customers from 19 sites throughout the UK.

Duties of the apprenticeship role include supporting existing vans salespeople, making regular calls to local customers, providing excellent customer service, sales and stock management.

The five new Ringtons recruits will be offered an initial 12-month contract with the possibility of securing a permanent role.

Each apprentice will complete written assessments as part of their Customer Services Apprenticeship Programme with the support from local college assessors provided by Derwentside College in Consett, Durham.

Jon Malton, Brand Director for Ringtons said: “Our new apprenticeship programme is the first we have offered in over 110 years of business and we are pleased to be in a position where we have found two successful new trainees and are able to look for even more. Not only are we attracting enthusiastic, passionate, committed and endearing trainees, but putting our recruits through a Ringtons induction programme which covers all areas of the business gives them a solid background to build their own skills and are essential for their Customer Services Apprenticeships.

“Although the current rate of pay for an apprenticeship is £7,280 we actually pay £12,000 per annum because we want to attract and keep the right candidates who understand our business, love our products and can build great relationships with our customers.”

Daniel Gray (26) and Connor Keegan (20) are the first recruits to undertake Ringtons’ apprenticeships programme at the company’s biggest sales office in Tyne and Wear. Speaking of the apprenticeship Connor Keegan said: “After a few years working in different jobs I saw the Ringtons apprenticeship as an opportunity to gain a more secure job with a steady income and to join a well-respected family business.

I really enjoy working outside, managing my own time, talking to the customers and learning about every element of the business, so this role really suits me and I would recommend it to those looking for all-round customer service experience.

“The Customers Services Apprenticeship programme equates to 80% on the job learning and 20% off the job training and, like myself and Daniel, the new recruits will spend time working within the sales office, on the vans, out and about with new business canvassers, working with the customer care team at head office and at Ringtons’ factory where all of the company’s tea and coffee is made, so it really is a well-rounded experience working in the business.”

Ringtons was established in 1907 by Samuel Smith who delivered tea to households throughout the north east via horse and cart. Today the family-business operates throughout the UK via its doorstep delivery service, Ringtons Beverages for Business division and online store.

The Ringtons Packing Division supplies some of the UK’s leading supermarkets and retailers with a wide range of private label tea and infusion products.

Applicants are invited to apply to Ringtons Customer Services Apprenticeships via the Government’s ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ website:

Newton Aycliffe – https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-230828

Pictured: Connor Keegan (left) and Daniel Gray

As sent to the Editor of the Newton News. If you have a story that we may be interested in, please send to syd@newtonnews.co.uk