Five employees from across Travis Perkins plc have secured a prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). All five completed the programme in 2017 and were presented with their certificates on Wednesday 17 January 2018 at St James’s Palace on behalf of HRH The Earl of Wessex.
Sadie Garland-Kenny from Travis Perkins who received her certificate said: “The DofE Award is important to me because this is will mark the completion of a journey which has changed my life. It has given me a confidence I never thought I would have which is proving to bring me lots of opportunities”.
Travis Perkins is a great supporter of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and recognises how the programme allows individuals to develop the practical and social skills the organisation is looking for. As such, the company offers 15 places a year to women (under the age of 23) to start their DofE. The rationale behind this is to help support the personal development of ambitious women starting their careers with Travis Perkins and to accelerate their progression in the construction industry.
Helen Smith, HR Director from Travis Perkins, said: “At Travis Perkins we are really proud to offer our young female employees the chance to undertake The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We truly believe that it equips our staff with a huge array of transferable skills that will help them have a productive and prosperous future.”
Achieving a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is no easy task and shows that young people have the skills, determination and attitude to really thrive in the work environment. To achieve a Gold Award, participants must complete a 12-month volunteering section, a 12-month physical and skills section, a four day/three night expedition and a five day away from home residential activity section. Once all the above is completed, a participant will complete and achieve their Gold Award.
Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “The Award is a springboard for young people to a positive and productive future, for both life and work. Companies have told us that employees who do their DofE go on a life-changing journey as the experience breeds confidence, strengthens character, develops skills they never thought they were capable of and transports them out of their comfort zones. It’s only then that real personal growth happens and shapes a young person’s prospects for life. The achievement of the Travis Perkins apprentices today should not be overlooked – it’s an honour to congratulate them and wish them well for an exciting time ahead.”
