U.K. operator Stock N Lock Self Storage has used an apprenticeship program to hire a teenager to a full-time position at the company’s facility in Worcester, England. Robert Tonks, 17, began an apprenticeship at the facility eight months ago. He’s believed to be one of three self-storage apprentices working in the United Kingdom, according to the source.

“Very few apprentices are employed within the self-storage industry in the U.K., and I commend Stock N Lock's owner Charles Rodway and his team for taking up this initiative,” Rennie Schafer, chief executive of the Self Storage Association of the United Kingdom, told the source. “It is fantastic that Stock N Lock has fostered Robert through the apprenticeship process and now into full-time employment. The core principles of customer service and business administration taught in the apprenticeship process are key elements for a successful self-storage manager, and I hope Robert has a long and successful career in the industry.”

Tonks’ apprenticeship is being managed by Leaping Man Professional Qualifications (LMPQ), a provider of work-related vocational training. “Rob has received excellent support training from the Stock N Lock Self Storage team,” said Debbie Rees, academy manager at LMPQ. “This has given him the confidence to succeed and make a positive impact on the business.”

"I would recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone. My confidence has grown immensely since joining, and I am learning ‘best-practice’ business skills from my colleagues here,” Tonks said. “I’ve even gained my counterbalance forklift-truck license.”

Stock N Lock has 680 units ranging from 10 square feet up to 300 square feet, and offers bulk and archival storage services in addition to traditional self-storage. Facility amenities include free WiFi, a conferencing suite, reception-area refreshments, and moving and packing supplies.

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