Travis Perkins plc has launched a ‘landmark target’ to train 10,000 apprentices by 2030 in a bid to “bring in fresh talent; improve the diversity of the industry, and upskill existing colleagues.”
Currently with over 1,250 apprentices on 40+ programmes nationwide, the Group announced the initiative following the recent celebration of its 1,000th apprentice graduate — David Hood, Category Assistant at CCF. Furthermore, the target aims to address the current critical industry skills gap to develop the “urgently needed skills to deliver new homes, infrastructure, and the UK’s net zero strategy”.
Travis Perkins plc unveiled its ambitious target at the company’s inaugural apprenticeship graduation ceremony to celebrate the success of this year’s 382 apprentice graduates. Held at Franklin’s Gardens stadium, home of the merchant operation’s long-term community partner Northampton Saints Rugby Club, over 250 apprentice graduates and industry partners attended the celebratory event.
The Group aims to create the ‘Next Generation Workforce’ by encouraging individuals to join the construction industry through its diverse range of entry level programmes, as well as upskilling those already working in the sector with its career development apprenticeships.
It is also committed to becoming “an industry-leading employer of diverse teams” with apprenticeships seen as a major tool in attracting and developing greater diversity in the construction industry. For example, of this year’s cohort of 382 apprentice graduates, Travis Perkins reports that over 40% are women — up from 32% the prior year.
Group CEO Nick Roberts said: “We aim to bring in fresh talent; improve the diversity of our industry, and upskill existing colleagues, at a time when net zero and new safety legislation means the building and construction industry is undergoing its biggest shake-up for more than 30 years.
“Apprenticeships are fundamental to ensuring that the industry has the skills we need to deliver on net zero, retrofitting buildings, looking after our rich built heritage in every town and city, and creating a built environment that we can all be proud of.”
Chief HR Officer Emma Rose continued: “We are committed to building better communities and enriching lives, and today’s exciting announcement will create lots of new opportunities for people to earn whilst they learn and open doors which otherwise may have remained closed.
“Travis Perkins is a leader within the industry and beyond when it comes to apprentices and the diversity of the 40+ programmes we offer, and I look forward to working with industry and government stakeholders to share insights on how we have built up our apprenticeship programme and our plans to scale this up further.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon commented: “Travis Perkins is a skills and apprenticeships powerhouse, and I’m delighted that since training its 1000th apprentice, the company is not resting on its laurels and is aiming for an amazing 10,000 apprentices by 2030.
“This is exactly the kind of initiative which will extend the ladder of opportunity to people from all backgrounds across the country and help them to secure sustainable, fulfilling work. I hope other businesses follow this blueprint for success as I continue to work with employers to incentivise people to learn the skills which are crucial to keeping our economy and our country moving.”
Find out more about apprenticeships at Travis Perkins Group www.tpplccareers.co.uk/apprenticeships
