HSS Hire opens new training academy

UK rental and services firm HSS Hire opened a new multimillion-pound, purpose-built training facility in Reading today.

The HSS Training Academy will be a national centre of excellence for the company and represents an industry-first for the UK hire industry as the first dedicated training centre of its kind.

Through the academy HSS will deliver career-enhancing training and support long-term NQV and City & Guild apprenticeship qualifications. The academy will also support the company’s Graduate Programme.

HSS employs more than 2000 people nationwide, including 60 apprentices.

Chris Davies, CEO at HSS Hire, said: “The core purpose of the academy is to ensure HSS continues to invest in the career progression of young adults as well as more seasoned colleagues and managers. This is a major investment and commitment to continue differentiating our business by the outstanding quality of our people and service they provide.

"The academy is a recommitment to the people at the heart of our business, and to our customers as HSS seeks to ensure it always offers the best hire experience.”

New colleagues joining HSS will receive six weeks residential training at the academy supported by six weeks practical training in their local HSS distribution centre. Existing colleagues will attend a two-week residential refresher course to develop customer service skills and product knowledge.