Apprenticeships and training: one of the keys to our success
In the Petit Forestier development strategy, both in France and abroad, apprenticeships and training are clearly two factors for success and essential for sustainable deployment.
In France, we began applying this policy in 1997, when we opened our government-approved training centre in Villepinte.
Today, the purpose of the training centre is twofold.
Within the company, it provides skills management support for our employees by opening dedicated training so that each individual can develop to their full potential (as future foremen, branch managers, support functions, etc.).
It also provides youngsters with access to specific training modules and, through apprenticeship classes (Petit Forestier vehicle maintenance), high quality training with the chance of a job at the end of the course!
The policy, which is gradually revised every year, has encouraged others to follow suit.
In the UK for instance, the apprenticeship program started three years ago for the recruitment of qualified labour was awarded for the innovation and effectiveness of its approach by the most prestigious award in British transport – the Apprenticeship of the Year at the 29th Motor Transport Awards, in July 2014.
Despite the minimum threshold required to set up this type of program (number of branches, centralised structure, tutoring, etc.), we believe that other countries where we operate, such as Spain, Italy or Belgium, may in the medium term become natural candidates for apprenticeship programs to train qualified staff.
A full time preoccupation
Looking resolutely to the future and concerned for the world of tomorrow, Petit Forestier attempts to integrate sustainable development into the daily life of the company and has responsible social, economic and environmental policies that take these challenges fully into account.
Our approach involves the implementation of corresponding practices and protocols in all areas of the business. We demand efforts by our suppliers and subcontractors, involve our employees and, in the eyes of public authorities and institutions, we represent a reliable partner. We respect and encourage regulations in the areas of the environment, labour and economic development, including in our international network. This strategy concerns all our services, products, purchases, properties, human resources…
The partnerships developed with manufacturers and institutions are just one illustration of our commitment. Our efforts also take the form of civic actions, initiating or participating in long term projects capable of producing benefits for the whole community.
Suppliers
For Petit Forestier, the choice of a supplier is based on ability, reliability and trust.
After signing an agreement, Petit Forestier issues a national listing for application in the French network and the international sites.
Petit Forestier favours loyal partnerships with its suppliers and, above and beyond a simple commercial arrangement, often works with suppliers in the early stages when launching new products.
