Gleave Supply the Goods!

Industrial Supplies Specialists Lead the Way in Apprenticeship Training

Joseph Gleave & Son Ltd, a privately-owned distributor of industrial supplies to blue-chip companies, has been in business since 1833; easily long enough to establish a successful working environment. Ben Lenegan, Distribution Centre Supervisor, explains more:

“Whatever customers need in bulk for their businesses or homes, Gleave supplies,” explains Ben. “We react to what’s happening in the world and go out of our way to ensure we’re able to provide our customers with exactly what they need. This can-do attitude makes for a positive working environment, which means happy staff. It’s an ethos that also filters through to the apprentices we employ”.

Gleave fosters an environment that’s all about supporting learning and developing talent, in turn this helps to future-proof the workforce, they currently employ three apprentices with the support of local training provider, Total People. 

Apprentices are at the forefront of our recruitment strategy,

explains Distribution Centre Manager Carl Slater. “For some time, we’ve recognised that apprentices bring an energy and vibrancy to the business, along with fantastic new ideas. Through the apprenticeship programme we actively cultivate working relationships between new apprentices, some of whom are only 17 or 18, with existing members of staff, some of which have been here for decades. I can honestly say that these unlikely relationships are mutually beneficial, with each party learning from the other in ways that we never fully anticipated”.

Gleave have been working with Total People for several years, and it’s a relationship which works well. Carl explains more; “It goes without saying that we endorse apprenticeships, but we endorse Total People too. We’ve got confidence in our Total People trainer and have been impressed with the systems and procedures which are put in place. OneFile, for example, is an excellent system. What really works for us is knowing that Total People are on hand to support us and the learners whenever we need it, yet we’re still afforded the space to put our own tailored spin on the training. Having confidence and trust in your training provider is essential, and I’m pleased to say that we have both with Total People”.

The team at Gleave fully believe that core fundamental values are key to making apprenticeships a success. This ethos means that apprentices learn social integration skills alongside traditional work-based training. It’s a holistic approach which enables apprentices to evolve into rounded individuals and helps ensure that learners stay with the business long after their apprenticeships end.

Ben explains more.

From the outset our apprentices are treated as equals, this respect helps them to shine, and their maturity and loyalty to the company grows exponentially.

"Apprenticeships are hugely beneficial to our business not just in the value they add during their learning but their contribution as they develop a career with the company. It’s a great honour to see our young learners develop, and it’s a privilege to be part of that journey”.