Wolseley UK has attracted record numbers of graduate recruits in 2006.

90 graduates will begin their careers with Leamington Spa based Wolseley UK in September, a significant increase on the 42 recruited in 2005. In addition, 13 graduates from UK universities will join parent company Wolseley plc, based near Reading.

Wolseley UK employee development manager Grant Winston said: “The 2006 graduate campaign was our most successful ever, attracting more than 1,300 applications. We believe we will be one of the largest private sector recruiters of graduates this year. This increase is vital for Wolseley - we need to find our managers of the future as we continue to grow.”

Wolseley UK moved its headquarters to Warwickshire in 2004, and quickly established links with Warwick, Aston and Coventry universities. The 2006 graduate recruitment process began in November 2005, with representatives attending six recruitment fairs across the country.

Graduates are given the opportunity to explore the wide range of career options that exist within Wolseley. Following a two-day induction to Wolseley, graduates are assigned to a branch for the first six months of their 24-month development programme. During this period they also receive regular training in business skills, learn about products, customers and suppliers, attend workshops and undertake assignments. All graduates also study for a Professional Diploma in Management Studies (PDMS) qualification as part of their development programme.

Grant Winston added: “We have found it easier to attract graduates as Wolseley's profile has risen substantially in recent years.”

“Wolseley is proud of its high graduate retention rate - 84% of our intake between 2001 and 2005 are still with the company. Reasons given by graduates themselves include being given responsibility at an early stage of their career, regular mentoring and progress reviews, and the wide range of locations and specialisms offered by Wolseley.”

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