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NEW GRADUATES START CONSTRUCTING CAREERS AT WOLSELEY UK

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Ten talented graduates have started work after winning a place on Wolseley UK’s Management Training programme.

Over 1,400 applications – just one job for every 140 applicants – were received for the Management Training programme, which gives graduates the opportunity to join a FTSE 100 company and become part of the next generation of managers.

Due to the high volume of applications – most of which were for the Operations Scheme – Wolseley UK partnered with Discovery Graduates to shortlist the candidates following a telephone interview and assessment day.

From this shortlist, 35 graduates were invited to attend Wolseley UK assessment centres held in May, June and July.

Jonathan Evans, Founder of Discovery Graduates, said, “Wolseley has recognised the important part that high quality graduates can play in the future of its business, and we are thrilled to be working with them. Recent reports show that Midlands’ based businesses are investing more in their people than any other region in the UK during 2014 – and companies such as Wolseley are increasingly looking at their graduate recruitment and development as a long term investment. By doing so they will improve retention and subsequently get a better return on their original investment.

“90% of the graduates we place are still in post after 12 months which substantially bucks the industry trend and is proof that taking the time to get the right people is time, and money, well spent.”

A team of occupational psychologists and senior managers from the business put the candidates through a series of competency based activities.

Candidates were also given an opportunity to learn about the business and to meet Heads of Department, Regional Trading Directors, and other members of the senior management team.

As a result of the assessment day, eight jobs were offered in branch operations and two in the head office support functions of IT and Product Sourcing.

June Hogan, Programme Manager at Wolseley UK said: “This year, just as in previous years, all of the applicants were of an exceptional standard and were put through an incredibly tough application process to win places on our Management Training programme.

“All 10 of the graduates taken on last year are still with us so I am confident that our Management Training programme will continue to help us achieve our aim of having the best branch staff in the industry and I am expecting great things from our new recruits.”

The ten graduates officially started work with Wolseley UK on Monday 6th October as part of a week’s induction, ahead of their placements within the Plumb and Parts Center, Pipe Center, Drain Center, Integrated Services, Burdens and William Wilson businesses.