A leading facilities management firm has launched a company-wide learning and development scheme to unearth hidden talent within its ranks.

Servest, which is based at Bury St Edmunds and employs more than 23,000 staff, has set up the 100 Club as part of its Hidden Talent programme

“As business leaders, I believe we have a responsibility to offer colleagues an exciting progression path,” said chief executive Rob Legge.

The firm was inspired by the apprenticeship levy scheme launched in April, which aims to fund 3m places for apprentices by 2020. Its own campaign aims to encourage the board of divisional directors and senior operations team to identify and nurture the hidden talent within their departments.

Over the course of 100 days, 100 apprenticeships will be offered to the organisation’s shining stars.

Having mapped the job roles and levels within the business, Servest has identified 67 relevant qualifications that will develop our talent and the managers of the future.

Qualifications on offer include everything from management, business administration and accountancy, to hospitality, security, plumbing and electrical.

These represent the development needs of all the group’s departments, including service lines and sector divisions. Each department will house a Hidden Talent Champion who will be responsible for ensuring that the right people put their names forward.

Successful employees will embark on a qualification-led apprenticeship programme, supported by four Hidden Talent partners: West Suffolk College, HIT Training Ltd, South Staffordshire College and Dhunay Corporation.

In addition to on-the-job training facilitated by Servest’s learning and development team, the education partners will offer the qualifications necessary to unleash the full potential of the candidates selected.

“Offering people a chance to be able to carve out a career for themselves is the best way to inspire and motivate the lifeblood of your business,” said Mr Legge. “The 100 Club campaign is testament to our commitment to developing internal talent.”

Servest employs more than 50,000 people globally and also has corporate offices in Johannesburg, South Africa.