Retail software firm CADS develops skills of future generation with apprenticeship scheme

As the UK marks National Apprenticeship Week from 5th -11th  February, retail space planning and surveying specialist CADS is celebrating the award winning young workforce enrolled on its apprenticeship scheme – and adding two new recruits to the team.

The government run National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact and achievements of apprentices around the country.

Great Yarmouth-based CADS has been investing in training the next generation on the specialist services its team delivers for the retail and measured surveying industry.

Its apprenticeship scheme – launched in 2022 – now employs six young people - with two new apprentices enrolled so far this year.

“We’re incredibly proud of the apprentices in our business. Our two newest Business Administrator apprentices – Axel and Callum – are already working closely with our retail team and being trained on AutoCAD. Another of our apprentices – Emily – recently won Apprentice of the Month with TrAC! It’s so rewarding to see how well they’re developing,” says Aaron Wright, Managing Director of CADS.

CADS’ team provides retail space planning services and measured site surveys for clients across the UK and beyond. Its apprentices work on both sides of the business, learning a range of skills which will stand them in good stead throughout their careers.

On the retail team, apprentices work with household names in the retail industry. Alongside their studies, they learn how to use AutoCAD and plan and optimise store layouts using CADS’ software, StoreSpace.

With the measured survey team, apprentices learn practical geospatial surveying experience by working on-site of projects across the country – which also helps them develop a deeper understanding of the industry.

“I’m really enjoying developing my skills with my apprenticeship at CADS. The practical experience and industry knowledge I’m gaining by working alongside the experienced CADS team is invaluable and will help me build my career going forward,” says Lilly Thompson, Business Administrator apprenticeship at CADS.

It was in the autumn of 2022 that CADS set up its apprenticeship scheme.

However, this commitment to the young workforce has been important to the firm throughout its 40-year history. Back in 2018, CADS sponsored one of the UK’s first geospatial technician apprenticeships.

“We’re proud to have been at the forefront of geospatial apprenticeships in the UK! It’s an ever evolving industry, so it’s important to us to continue developing the skills of the future generation, particularly in analysing geospatial data using cutting edge digital technology,” says Wright.

The apprenticeship scheme is a rolling programme which recruits up to six apprentices each year. It focuses on providing apprentices with training on a wide range of skills, including software operation, data analysis and using surveying technology.

“The theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’. The future of our industry lies with our young people – so equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive is vital” concludes Wright.