ONE of the North’s fastest-growing franchise businesses, Sim Trava, is on the look-out for fresh, young talent to join its growing business as apprentices.

The Altrincham-based company, which owns and runs 25 Costa Coffee stores across the North, as well as two fast-food Pita Pit outlets, is launching the new apprenticeship programme through its new learning and development arm – the Sim Trava Academy.

The £10.1 million business, headed up by husband and wife team Simon and Tracy Vardy, has heavily invested in the Academy – having appointed a full-time academy manager to propel the training division forward, as well as acquiring an additional 1,500 sq. ft of office space at its headquarters in Altrincham.

Interested individuals are invited to apply online for the apprenticeship programme, which includes a bespoke NVQ qualification in customer service and team-leading, via the website.

Sim Trava will then invite candidates to attend the assessment days on August 18 and 30 in Altrincham.

There are up to 10 spaces available on the programme for ambitious and enthusiastic candidates with the first intake of new apprentices set to begin their new roles in September.

Sim Trava plans to take on 18 apprentices in total this year, growing to 25 each year from 2017 onward.

Tracy Vardy, director at Sim Trava, said: “We are really excited to welcome fresh, new talent into our business as investing in our people is of the utmost importance to us. We strive to only employ ambitious local people with the right characteristics and attributes that fit in well with the values and culture of our family-run business.

“It’s also great to be offering local young people an alternative to the traditional university route – which isn’t for everyone. Paving out a career path for those who learn better by doing, we’re looking forward to the coming weeks and getting to meet fresh new faces in the local area. We’re on the look-out for the next generation of Sim Trava baristas and store managers to start with our fast-growing business in September.”

Sim Trava is offering each apprentice a competitive wage, four weeks’ paid holiday, as well as full-time contracts and individual learning and development plans.

To apply for the Sim Trava apprenticeship programme, visit //simtrava.co.uk/latest-positions/apprenticeship/