Charlotte is a Counter Sales Assistant at our Travis Perkins branch in Woodley and she’s coming up to her three-year anniversary with the Group. We spoke to Charlotte to hear more about how she is balancing her job with her studies and what it’s like to work in a Travis Perkins branch. Read on to hear what she loves most about her role and her advice to anyone thinking of joining the Group.
“I wouldn’t have even thought it possible that you could work and be a full-time student.”
Our team choose to work part-time hours for various reasons, and for Charlotte, it’s so that she can complete her diploma in counselling and psychotherapy. This flexibility around her studies is one of the things that has kept Charlotte working with the Group. Her managers were really supportive from the get-go. As a part of her diploma, Charlotte has placements, and the management team have always been happy to help her balance this with her work.
“My long-term plan is to be a trained counsellor, but I have no desire to leave Travis.”
Charlotte is a great example of one of the many colleagues at Travis Perkins who have other passions and commitments and manage to balance these with their work. She hopes to qualify as a counsellor in December, but knowing that a full eight-hour day of counselling would be draining, she plans to stay with the Group.
“I have my own accounts and jobs to do, but if they’re short on colleagues in the yard, I’ll help load or cover lunch breaks. I do a lot of different roles.”
Charlotte tells us that she pitches in where she can at the branch. Whatever her colleagues need, whether it’s a hand in the yard or someone to cover lunch breaks, she’s there to help. They have a cleaning rota to maintain a high level of hygiene and ensure the branch is COVID-secure. If her colleagues are busy, she’ll run around with the anti-bacterial spray. Charlotte understands that it’s important for customers to see that the Group are keeping on top of these things.
“I don’t get told what to do, I get told what’s the priority. I get to structure my own working day.”
When asked what are some of the new skills she’s developed during her time working at the Group, Charlotte explained that learning how to think for herself was a major one. Her managers encourage her to use her initiative, and Charlotte hasn’t experienced this in her previous jobs.
“I really like my colleagues, and I love the way we work as a team. We stand up for each other and look after each other.”
For Charlotte, the people are the best part of the job. She describes the family dynamic at Travis Perkins, where everyone is like a brother, sister or uncle. Her customers bring so much meaning to her job too. Charlotte tells us that all customers are so jovial, and this relaxed atmosphere means that everyone feels comfortable being themselves. They often come in and chat about football, their kids and what they did at the weekend. She explains that working at the branch is fun, and there is never a dull moment.
“I work outside in all weathers, interacting with people. I’m not stuck in an office.”
This is another reason that Charlotte has continued working at Travis Perkins. Even though her day is fairly structured, she still had variety in her work.
“You don't have to be a builder. I'm not a builder.”
Charlotte’s advice to anyone thinking about working at Travis Perkins is to not worry about not having trade skills. She explains that if you don’t know it, you’ll learn it. She isn’t a tradeswoman, but this hasn’t stopped her from being successful in her job and having fun. Charlotte tells us that if you have a good work ethic, you’ll fit in easily at Travis Perkins.
Find a part-time job with the Travis Perkins Group
Are you looking for your next job? At the Travis Perkins Group, we understand how important it is to find a job that works for you. Browse our current part-time roles, and see where a career with the Group could take you.
