ToolHire Apprentice Review

My role is very varied. I was employed as a hire apprentice but I have learnt skills across the business on both hire and the materials size to further my learning. From the perspective of the hire business, I am now fully qualified to test all of our equipment ready for hire, I can raise contracts as well as arrange offhires, I'm qualified to deliver all tools including plant, as well as dealing with customer enquiries leading to further business.

I have learnt so many skills in my time with Travis Perkins that it is difficult to name them all. I am a much more confident person than I was when I first joined, and this in turn has made me a better colleague in all respects. Some of the skills I have learnt - Entire hire process, PAC testing of tools, Plant testing, Forklift driving, HGV shunting, Paint mixing, Sales (counter and phone), etc etc

Whilst it has been a challenge to find time to fulfil my apprenticeship, I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and the knowledge it has given me. I am now a fully qualified hire controller which gives me a great foundation to build my career upon. This is only because of the structure of the learning programme.

The structure of the programme is absolutely fantastic. It allows you to concentrate on certain areas as knowledge grows and also put that knowledge to good use in daily work life. The coaches are brilliant, as is the leadership team. Having to document all of the learning also gives a great reference point should you ever need it.

Travis Perkins have been brilliant. I have had support from day one of my apprenticeship from all of my colleagues as well as the apprenticeship team. I was worried that I would not be able to find time to learn everything required but my branch manager and hire manager always made time for this even when we were really low on staff and in busy periods.

The apprenticeship team have been wonderful and very supportive throughout.. I could not have asked for more. I've very seldom not understood something but my coach has always been on the end of a phone or email to answer literally any enquiry I have had no matter how silly.

Without the training that I have received through my training, I simply would not be the person I am today. The knowledge I have gained throughout as well as the confidence that I have gained has provided me with an astounding foundation to build upon in my future career with Travis Perkins.

No, there are not. We are a close knit team, and the majority of us have our families to go home to, and so that tends to take priority over extra curricular activities. There was talk of a karting day out for team building but it is very difficult to arrange something like this when we all have responsibilities outside of work.

Yes

Travis Perkins gave me an opportunity to begin a career with a company that truly cares about it's employees. I enjoy my work, I enjoy talking to our customers, and I feel like I am part of a team. This is a vast contrast to previous jobs where I was thought of as a number.

Don't hesitate! I truly wish I had made the jump years ago. Travis Perkins have given me an opportunity to begin a career in a market that I have always had an interest in. The vast array of roles available throughout the company means there is always somewhere to move up to and I look forward to climbing that ladder!