SALAD GEMS
FOUNDING DIRECTORS
Sarah Cripps – Managing Director
Sarah’s motto in life is that if we’re on the planet once we might as well be the best we can be and this applies to her approach in all aspects of her life and it’s no different with Salad Skills. She is also a learning fanatic and knows first-hand the commitment it takes to undertake any form of training once you’ve left school.
Sarah’s first part-time course was touch typing and her latest achievement was the Masters in High Performance Working Practices after 3 years of part time study at Leicester University whilst working full-time with a family. Fun features heavily in work and home life and she is often described as hard working but bonkers.
Joanne Walton – Operations Director
Jo is an inspiration to all mums out there who choose to take a career break to raise their family. Jo ran the household as well as supporting her husband’s business and runs a tight ship at Salad Skills. She is fastidious about systems, processes and attention to detail.
Sarah and Jo have broken all the rules by starting up a business based on friendship but they recognised that their value systems were identical as was their passion to offer educational opportunities to the unskilled. Their psychometric profiles are like a jigsaw puzzle; individually they are opposites but together they create a dynamic picture of completeness. Like Sarah, Jo’s motto is about working hard but making sure fun features a lot in the working day.
4-STEP
ELEVATION PROGRAMMETM
Keeping apprentices motivated is just as important as getting the selection process right which is why we developed our unique 4-Step Elevation ProgrammeTM. From vacancy to completion we stay with you throughout the whole journey.
For further information click on the associated number.

RECRUITMENT
- Compile job vacancy descriptions.
- Promote vacancies onto a wide range of portals including the National Apprenticeship Vacancy site.
- Proactively work with local communities, schools and agencies.
SELECTION
- Application sifting.
- Telephone screening.
- Assessment centres.
- Psychometric profiling.
- Interview support.
360o EVALUATION
- Our learning and support team keeps in regular contact with the apprentice and line manager to ensure planned progress is being made and to deal with any issues.
- Monthly progress trackers detailing outcomes from our evaluation as well as learner training progression are issued to keep you regularly informed.
DEVELOPING GREAT PEOPLETM DAYS
- A range of topics are covered, designed around each customer’s business and apprenticeship role to bring out the best in apprentices. Keeping the young and talented motivated underpins these days, passing on skills to develop good habits early on in their careers.