Toolstation, Britain’s fastest growing supplier of tools, accessories and building supplies to trade and DIY customers, is announcing the success of its apprentices across the country ahead of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th February) which is focused on Skills For Life. It comes as Toolstation celebrates its 20th year and underlines its commitment to developing its next generation of colleagues.
The news comes as Toolstation looks to tackle the skills shortage in the construction sector. Through its apprentice programme, the retailer recognises the need to develop the next generation of talent to keep up with customer demand in the ever more challenging world of modernising and decarbonising the construction sector.
The retailer currently has 100 apprentices who are on or have graduated from the Toolstation Academy apprentice programme delivered by LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers. LEAP provides industry-specific apprenticeships exclusively for the construction sector, designed around the needs of the businesses, from entry to director level to give colleagues the skills, knowledge and behaviours to be great in their roles.
Tara Fraser is the Store Manager for the Toolstation store at Northwich. She has worked with the company for almost 10 years at Toolstation and oversees a team of nine and is responsible for the running of the store.
Tara says: “I recently completed a Level 4 in retail management and that was a 15 month programme. I’ve learnt a lot from it. We covered learning and development, which helped me understand how I could adapt my leadership skills to get the best out of my team. It also helped me develop my commercial awareness skills too, and the impact that the wider environment and competitors have on our sales. I’m now a lot more confident in my knowledge of the wider business.
“My advice would be don’t hold back. If you’re given the opportunity then apply for an apprenticeship and go for it. It’s a real eye-opener and doing one will help develop your career.”
Jagvir Nagra, Toolstation’s HR Director said: “By investing in qualifications we are helping Toolstation achieve its aim of having expert friendly colleagues giving customers the confidence that they are being advised by people who are knowledgeable and able to offer trusted advice.”
Toolstation also supports the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) social enterprise to help more young people learn practical trade and DIY skills and consider a career in the construction and building industry. It is also a prize sponsor for the Youthbuild UK’s Young Builder of the Year Awards, which rewards disadvantaged young people for their hard work and dedication working in the construction industy.
