Name:
Tony Rankin
Company:
Hotter Shoes
Hotter is a leading British footwear brand based in Lancashire. Founded in 1959 as a slipper manufacturer, Hotter now offers a collection of stylish women’s and men’s shoes with hidden Comfort Concept® features including super soft and breathable leathers, lightweight and flexible soles and underfoot cushioning. The company employs over 1,200 people and has over 1 million
customers in the UK and overseas. Hotter’s multi-channel sales platforms enable customers to shop online and through mail order catalogues in the UK and US and at UK stores nationwide. Its state-of- the-art factory produces a pair of hand finished shoes every 20 seconds – making it the UK’s largest shoe manufacturer*. *According to the British Footwear Association
Which type of Apprenticeships do you offer?
An array between L2-5 including but not exclusive to Footwear manufacturing, retail, customer service, warehouse & storage, learning & development, team leading and management.
Why did you choose to hire an apprentice?
We want to invest in people and develop their skills and knowledge. We believe that an apprenticeship offers our team the best opportunity to learn on the go and to be able to immediately apply them enhancing the embedding of learning and ensuring instant business impact.
What benefits has your company seen from hiring apprentices?
Increased engagement and productivity. Inspires other team members to want to learn. Creativity and innovation increases. Ambition improves.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about becoming or hiring an apprentice?
Pick the right course for the right person with the right provider and support the individual.
Please tell us a positive story regarding apprenticeships that you can share?
One of our team was the first in her department to undertake an apprenticeship. She worked her way through levels and is now on the fourth. She has inspired her whole department and we now offer a range of apprenticeships in her area as a direct result of her achievements and inspirational attitude to learning and development.