Apprentice Hire Controller

Vp plc; Manchester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice pension

25 days holiday + bank holidays + own

Life Assurance cover 3x salary

Share save scheme

Eye care vouchers

Cycle to work scheme

My Vp discounts

Job summary

Vp plc is offering an Apprenticeship programme in Manchester combining classroom learning with practical on-the-job experience. You will earn a Level 2 government-recognised Hire Controller (Plant, Tools and Equipment) qualification and work under guidance to support customer service, sales, supplier management and hire administration.

You will learn to source equipment from Vp divisions and external suppliers, attend college online or in person, and complete all modules and assessments required

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at least Grade 4-9 (or equivalent).
• Basic IT skills including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Ability to organise and manage workloads effectively.
• Willingness to learn and develop through apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Becoming the first point of contact for customer enquiries by phone, email and other channels.
• Respond to enquiries professionally and in line with service levels.
• Assist with quotations and converting opportunities into hire orders.
• Support sourcing of equipment from internal and external suppliers.
• Learn to manage the customer journey from enquiry to invoicing.

Skills

Good communication

IT literacy (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Organisational skills

Team player

Education

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

Our Apprenticeship offers a structured training programme combining theoretical learning with practical on-the-job experience. At the end of the programme, you will achieve a government recognised Level 2 Hire Controller (Plant, Tools and Equipment) qualification through college training, assessments and work-based evidence.You will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge whilst working under the guidance of the VpRS Hire Desk Manager, providing support across customer service, sales, supplier management and hire administration activities. You will learn how to source equipment from both Vp businesses and external suppliers to deliver the best solutions for customers across a wide range of industries.You will be required to attend college either online or in person on all scheduled dates of the programme and complete all modules and assessments required within the apprenticeship programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop to become the first point of contact for customer enquiries received by telephone, email and other communication channels.
• Respond to customer enquiries in a professional, effective and timely manner in line with agreed service levels.
• Assist with producing quotations and converting opportunities into hire orders.
• Support the sourcing of equipment from internal Vp divisions and external suppliers to meet customer requirements.
• Learn how to manage the customer journey from initial enquiry through to invoicing.
• Accurately process orders, hires, collections and associated documentation within business systems.
• Assist with ensuring Proof of Delivery (POD), Proof of Collection (POC) and other supporting documents are obtained and correctly attached to orders.
• Develop an understanding of margin management, revenue generation and commercial decision making.
• Support suppliers and customers with hire‑related queries and issue resolution.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records and ensuring all hire administration is completed correctly.
• Learn and effectively use systems including G42, Softco, Zendesk, CXone and Microsoft Office applications.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Vp businesses, suppliers and customers to provide a seamless service experience.
• Ensure professional customer service standards are maintained at all times.
• Work with the business to ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Actively participate in apprenticeship learning activities, self‑study and workplace development opportunities.
• When it is considered necessary or appropriate by management you may be required to carry out any duties within your skill set and competence to assist the smooth running of the business.

What We’re Looking For

• GCSE Maths and English (Grades 4-9 or equivalent).
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Good communication skills with the confidence to interact with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Ability to organise and manage workloads effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work within a team environment whilst taking ownership of personal development.
• Flexible, trustworthy and reliable.
• Excellent attendance and timekeeping.
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm to learn new skills.
• Ability to organise and plan self‑study requirements as part of the apprenticeship.

What We Can Offer You

• Salary sacrifice pension25 days holiday (increases with service), plus bank holidays & 1 extra day to be taken in the month of your birthday
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Free Tool Hire
• Life Assurance cover 3x salary
• Share save scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Recommend a friend scheme
• Learning & Development – commitment to upskilling and developing our people, structured in house training available alongside external training where required
• Cycle to work scheme
• Long service recognition
• My Vp discounts – a variety of discounts and rewards on thousands of well-known brands
• Discounts on HP products
• EE mobile contract discount offers
• Gym discounts
• Health Shield (discounted premiums on health care cash plan)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Service
• Will Writing & Funeral Concierge Service
• Regit Assist 24/7 accident helpline – free joining

All the above benefits are managed through our Employee Engagement Platform – Spotlight

A Little Bit About Us

Established in 1954, Vp plc has evolved into a dynamic group of companies with expertise in equipment rental. Our organisation encompasses eleven prominent operating divisions: Airpac Rentals, Brandon Hire Station, Hire Station, MEP Hire, ESS, Groundforce, TPA, Torrent Trackside, Vp Rail, UK Forks and CPH.Across these divisions, we proudly provide an extensive range of specialist products and comprehensive services tailored to various industries. Our offerings cater to diverse sectors such asconstruction, civil engineering, rail, water, oil and gas, outdoor events, and housebuilding.With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Vp plc is your trusted partner for all your equipment rental needs.Vp plc is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills.