Apprenticeship spotlight: Katie James

For us Apprentices are the future of our business. They’re not only our future pipeline of specialists, but also current colleagues developing themselves even further on programmes within the business. We love to shine a spotlight on our wonderful apprentices learning, earning and working on our array of 38 programmes across the Travis Perkins Group. Here's what Katie learnt during her Plumbing & Heating Specialist to the Trade Certificate:

1. What first attracted you to the programme?

I had previously completed the Level 3 Assistant Branch Manager Apprenticeship back in 2015 which resulted in me achieving an Assistant Branch Manager role in 2017. From this Apprenticeship and the role that proceeded, I gained more experience and knowledge around the administration, Stay Safe and procedural side of the role but felt I was lacking the skills required on the sales side. I decided to apply for the Plumbing and Heating Specialist to the Trade Certificate to improve these skills.

2. How have you been supported throughout the programme and beyond?

Throughout the course so far I have had the support from my Branch Manager with regular catch ups on my progress and feedback on how he thinks I am performing. I have been able to make contact with my Coach when needed, in addition to the scheduled webinars. The webinars have included information relevant to the course, along with sessions with Subject Matter Experts who have shared their experiences and advice with us.

3. What’s your favourite thing about being on an Apprenticeship programme with the TP Group?

I am enjoying the freedom to be able to research the assignments how I feel would benefit me most, at a time that is best for me. Although there are set deadlines and criteria that must be met, my Coach has made it easy for me to adapt the course to suit me and my learning needs. 

4. How has the programme set you up for success?

The Apprenticeship allows me to build relationships with people in different parts of the company, our customers and our suppliers. This benefits me in my day to day role when I need support on something I am unsure of.

I have learnt more about how to adapt to different types of people under different circumstances and how to change the outcome of certain situations to make a positive outcome. 

The course has also helped me react and adapt to feedback in a positive way, improving on myself all the time and learning from mistakes.

5. What has been your proudest moment since working with the Travis Perkins Group?

My proudest moment was when I was given the opportunity to move into an Assistant Branch Manager role for the first time after my Apprenticeship at Keyline in Kirkby in Ashfield. 

6. Do you have any advice for someone thinking of enrolling on an apprenticeship?

Speak to your Branch Manager, Regional Manager or the Apprenticeship team about your development. Think about where you see yourself in the future or what you would like to improve on. They will be able to talk you through the different courses available and which one would suit you best.

Apprenticeships with Travis Perkins

If you’re passionate about learning and are ready for a challenge then we want to hear from you. Since our first apprenticeship programme in 2017, we now offer 38 programmes, half of which we deliver through our in-house specialists, mapping out a full career path for our colleagues who graduate. Explore our Apprenticeships and find out how an Apprenticeship with us will allow you to realise your full potential.