More than 30 employees complete qualifications as retailer invests in workforce development
DOZENS of B&Q employees across South Wales have advanced their careers through apprenticeship programmes designed to develop skills in customer service, retail and management.
Over the past two years, 32 staff working for the home improvement and garden centre retailer have completed apprenticeships delivered by Cambrian Training Company, one of Wales’ leading work-based learning providers. A further 16 employees are currently working towards qualifications.
Among those celebrating success is Kathleen Sillitoe, 49, from Swansea, who works as a showroom adviser at B&Q’s Llanelli store.
After two decades with the company, Kathleen has completed a Level 2 apprenticeship in Customer Service, a Level 3 qualification in Retail Management and a Level 3 ILM Leadership and Management apprenticeship. She is now considering progressing to a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Management.
Kathleen joined fellow learners at an apprenticeship graduation ceremony organised by Cambrian Training Company and its work-based learning partners at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd last week.
Reflecting on her learning journey, she admitted she initially lacked confidence about taking on an apprenticeship.
“At first, I didn’t think I was confident enough to do an apprenticeship, but I decided to give it a go and then wanted to do more,” she said.
“The apprenticeships have made me much more confident in dealing with customers, prioritising my workload and organising my work-life balance.”
Kathleen said her ambition is to continue learning and developing both professionally and personally while supporting new recruits joining the business. She has already encouraged seven new starters at the Llanelli store to enrol on apprenticeship programmes.
Her advice to other adult learners considering a similar route is simple: “If I can do it, anyone can with a supportive manager.”
She praised both current store manager Gavin Davies and former manager Brett Jones for encouraging her development, while also paying tribute to Cambrian Training Company training officer Christine Grayson.
“Christine is amazing and so supportive,” she said. “All the apprentices here will say the same.”
Gavin Davies, who serves as B&Q’s apprenticeship champion in Wales, said the programme was helping to create a high-performance culture within the business.
“We’re developing a high-performance culture at B&Q and I’m passionate about giving people an opportunity to learn and develop themselves and their career,” he said.
“Some people didn’t do well in school because they were not ready to learn or they prefer to learn in the workplace. It’s not one size fits all when it comes to learning and it’s important that we celebrate achievements.”
He added that apprenticeships have a significant impact on the business by increasing colleagues’ knowledge, skills and confidence.
“The impact of apprenticeships on the business is massive because it gives colleagues more knowledge, skills and confidence, and takes them out of their comfort zone. You end up with leaders across the shopfloor.”
Mr Davies also praised the support provided by Cambrian Training Company.
Supporting apprentices at B&Q stores in Llanelli, Swansea, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Cardiff and Cwmbran, Christine Grayson said the retailer had embraced apprenticeships as a pathway for staff development.
“Gavin and B&Q are very supportive and encourage their colleagues to develop and progress their skills through apprenticeships,” she said.
“Kathleen is a really good role model who has gained confidence by achieving English, digital literacy and application of number essential skills as part of her apprenticeships.”
Cambrian Training Company operates from five offices across Wales and delivers apprenticeships in sectors including hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, leadership and management, retail, business administration, customer service, health and social care, barbering and hairdressing, and active leisure.
