Bradfords Building Supplies has announced the latest success of its award-winning apprenticeship programme as Sales Assistants Luke Clark, Megan James and Ehron Keast passed their apprenticeships with distinction.
Luke (pictured) joined Bradfords just as lockdown began in March 2020. After training in customer service and gaining his trailer licence, he currently handles mechanical equipment deliveries at its Weston-super-Mare branch. He said: “I started my apprenticeship just a week before the first national Coronavirus lockdown, when Bradfords decided to remain open by becoming a pre-collection and delivery business only. While this wasn’t a typical time for the business, everyone pulled together and I quickly felt part of the team.
“There are so many opportunities for me to progress here. I can get my lorry licence and eventually become a supervisor or manager. Bradfords always has my future in mind.”
Megan also works at Bradfords’ Weston-super-Mare branch and started her apprenticeship at the same time as Luke. She’s now progressing to the role of Showroom Consultant, in preparation for when the company’s new showroom opens at the branch in 2022.
Wayne Ewing, Weston-super-Mare Branch Manager, commented: “We decided to remain open throughout the pandemic to ensure that tradespeople working on essential projects had our continued support, so Luke and Megan joined just as we were undergoing one of the most significant shifts we’ve ever had to make as a business.
“As with all our colleagues, they had to rapidly adapt to the changes we made to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, but took everything in their stride. Their enthusiasm and willingness to take every opportunity offered to them has made them valuable members of our team and they both have great careers ahead of them.”
Last but not least, after working for Bradfords in a casual role in Summer 2020, Ehron started his apprenticeship with the company that September and works at the Seaton branch.
All three apprenticeships were awarded by Yeovil College and the Bradfords’ programme offers participants exposure to all aspects of the business, with the guarantee of a permanent role at the company on completion.
CEO David Young said: “We recognise that our strength is our people and their knowledge and expertise help to ensure our success as a business. The Bradfords Group Apprenticeship Programme has become crucial in providing an ongoing pipeline of new team members to help push the business forward. It’s also playing a part in the work we do to create and maintain sustainable communities wherever we operate.”
