Swiss Post Solutions Limited (SPS) will showcase its award-winning training programme on Tuesday 7th August at the House of Switzerland - the official Swiss hospitality centre of London 2012.  

SPS is one of only 6 organisations to be invited by the Swiss Embassy to take part in an apprenticeship day for 16-18 year olds taking place at the House of Switzerland at Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, London Bridge, SE1 9DD.

The House of Switzerland in partnership with Southwark Council and the National Apprenticeship Service is celebrating and promoting in the UK the value of vocational training for young people. In Switzerland two-thirds of students choose apprenticeships as their entry route into employment, and the Swiss Dual Vocational Model is regarded in Europe as an exemplary of apprenticeship training. This is in direct contrast to the UK where university education is still more popular than vocational training. The event will demonstrate how apprenticeships offer a solution to both major skills shortages and increasing unemployment.

The SPS Academy has operated a successful apprenticeship and training programme since 2007.

"The quality of our people allows us to stand out in the marketplace, but quality comes with appropriate employee training and engagement. We learned very early on the value of investing in apprenticeship training. Our Academy provides a structured career development plan for all levels of employee built around each individual and offering them the chance to achieve nationally recognised qualifications," said Richard Scott, Academy Manager, SPS Academy.

Employees are encouraged to obtain qualifications that will benefit both their work and their future careers.

Sophia Probert joined SPS as an apprentice in April 2011 and recently completed her Level 2 Business & Administration NVQ, whilst at the same time working in the HR Department:

"I like how my qualification translates seamlessly into my own work, allowing me to use what I have learned on my NVQ in my job and giving me the confidence to be able to work on my own on particular projects.

Working and studying at the same time also means I can apply some of the things I have learned in my position to the various modules making the studying experience for me much more practical and relevant," said Sophia.

SPS is very proud of the fact that 78% of managerial positions are filled internally.

David Dorrell originally joined SPS on an apprenticeship as a HR Administrator. The apprenticeship gave him a platform to excel, and through a combination of training courses and skills acquired within the role, he first gained promotion to HR Information Advisor and subsequently moved into the Business Development Team to take on a new role as a Bid Manager:

"Training has enabled me to gain skills that have allowed me to progress my role and career at SPS. It's also increased my salary prospects. Possibly most important for me is that the SPS' Academy has increased my confidence in my own abilities, and how I can apply these professionally," explained David.

David and Richard will be available to answer questions from 12pm - 3pm.

House of Switzerland is delighted to have Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) and Ursula Renold, Swiss Federal Office for Professional Education & Technology delivering the keynote address. Visitors will also be able to ask questions of Baroness Wilcox, Ms Renold and David Way CEO of the National Apprenticeship Service at a panel discussion that takes place at the end of the day.

For further information please visit  www.houseofswitzerland.org