The graduate scheme operated by Swindon-based specialist distribution group Smiths News has gained accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) for its newly-launched supply chain placement.
Places on the scheme, now in its seventh year, are highly sought after and, for the first time this year, will include a placement dedicated to a supply chain graduate.
As candidates with this expertise are in short supply, Smiths News, which distributes newspapers, magazines, books and educational supplies across the UK, says it is taking a ‘home-grown’ approach to supporting and developing the right candidate.
CILT accreditation will give the successful candidate access to support during the scheme, associate membership of CILT, and the opportunity to become a fully-chartered member after four years.
It also means Smiths News will be able to maintain high standards and seek to improve the scheme further through its relationship with CILT. In addition the group hopes to benefit from the supply chain graduate’s knowledge of industry best-practice, while seeking to improve performance through the introduction of new skills into its businesses.
The 18-month graduate scheme focuses on the operations and commercial areas of the business, with three placements running across the group’s three main business units – Smiths News, book wholesaler Bertrams and The Consortium, the Trowbridge-based supplier of educational and healthcare materials.
The scheme gives successful candidates the chance to work on real strategic projects in different fast-paced environments and provides all the support and learning they need for future development.
At the end of the scheme, support is provided to match graduates’ ambitions and strengths to available vacancies in any of the business units.
