As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Travis Perkins Group is celebrating its 1,000th apprentice graduate following the introduction of the apprenticeship levy and reforms in 2017.
Travis Perkins plc says it is committed to developing the next generation of the UK construction workforce and through LEAP, the “Learn and Earn” Apprenticeship Programme, it states that it has “strived to attract a diverse range of people to the construction sector and then support them in their development through tailored training and upskilling initiatives.”
Testimony to the scale and success of the nationwide programme, the merchant is pleased to celebrate its 1,000th apprentice graduate – David Hood, a Category Assistant at CCF; the Group’s insulation and interior building business.
Nick Roberts, CEO of Travis Perkins plc, said: “Developing the next generation is integral to the delivery of our strategy. We have been a leading provider of apprenticeships in our sector for some time, so the fact that David is our 1,000th graduate is just a very proud moment for both David and our business.
“As our own experience demonstrates, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to help upskill our colleagues, build a more diverse workforce for the future and unlock sustainable growth in the built environment and the UK economy more widely; be that through retrofitting the UK’s older housing stock or more broadly to improve the energy efficiency of the built environment.
“We welcome the current focus on skills from both the Government and Opposition to boost the economy and to help the UK deliver its Net Zero ambitions. As a major apprenticeship provider, we will be engaging with both parties to contribute to these policy discussions. Now more than ever, Government and industry must come together to accelerate the development of new skills that are urgently required to deliver on these challenges and unlock their significant economic potential.”
In addition to its LEAP Apprenticeships, Travis Perkins plc works with a wide range of educational and training organisations such as Multiverse, University of Exeter, the National Logistics Academy and the Open University to offer over 40 different programmes – from branch to boardroom – across subject and skills areas that will be critical to the future success of the construction industry, from core design and construction capabilities to new skills in areas such as data analysis and carbon management.
Emma Rose,the Group’s Chief HR Officer, commented: “We are extremely proud of David and all our apprenticeship graduates. Our Apprenticeship Programme is industry leading and continues to go from strength to strength. During 2022 we opened our apprenticeships up to the wider industry as we look to become the provider of choice and help build the next generation of talent across our sector, so we unlock sustainable growth within our own business and construction more widely.”
Andy Rayner, Director of Apprenticeships, added: “I am delighted that Travis Perkins Group has reached the milestone of our 1,000th apprentice. This programme provides participants with the skills needed to deliver a construction industry that is fit for the future. This milestone is a testament to the hard work that Travis Perkins plc has done to allow people of all backgrounds to build their career in the construction industry.”
The final words go to the apprentice himself, with David Hood, Category Assistant at CCF Commercial, stating: “I am over the moon to be the 1,000th apprentice graduate and grateful to the team for supporting me throughout the process. The programme has massively developed my business skills, enabled me to do more for our customers and I enjoyed learning with colleagues from across the group. No matter age or profession, I would absolutely recommend taking up the opportunity to do an apprenticeship.”
This announcement follows the recent certification of Travis Perkins plc as a 2023 Top Employer, where the Group was praised for its strong commitment to wellbeing, employee listening and recruitment.
More information on apprenticeships at the Travis Perkins Group can be found here.
