Benchmarx Supports Colleague Progress Through Apprenticeship Scheme

A leading UK kitchen supplier has demonstrated its commitment to outstanding customer service by supporting 16 colleagues through apprenticeships.

Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, which is part of the Travis Perkins Group, has seen more than a dozen team members either start or complete apprenticeships up and down the country over the last 12 months.

The apprenticeships form part of the company's wider investment in learning and development, which is designed to equip team members with the knowledge and skills to support customers at every stage of their kitchen journey.

The schemes, alongside hands-on experience, give colleagues the valuable skills needed and the opportunity to continue their personal development.

Kelsey Williams [pictured below] is an apprentice kitchen designer at Benchmarx in Walsall, and she is about to complete a year-long Level 3 Fitted Furniture Design apprenticeship.

The 22-year-old, who was speaking during National Apprenticeship Week, said she has gained important knowledge since starting at Benchmarx a year ago, but it is the apprenticeship which has brought it all together.

“The apprenticeship has been incredibly beneficial,” Kelsey reflected. “Obviously, I started from scratch, and I have had to learn all about the industry and do the day job - while also studying at the same time.

“I have always been interested in design and, while I am getting experience in the showroom each day, it is the apprenticeship which knits it all together.

“There are a few of us doing the course from Benchmarx, and we bounce ideas off each other when we are studying.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn new skills which are going to stand me in good stead for the future.

“The team around me in our Walsall showroom have been incredibly supportive too and I would encourage anyone with an interest in design to go for it as I have done - it has been a great experience.”

Janette Capehorn, Leadership Training Manager at Travis Perkins, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in enabling our colleagues at Benchmarx to develop their careers.

“They allow members of the team to produce high-quality kitchen designs to meet the needs of both the fitter and the homeowner, as well as providing the excellent customer service that Benchmarx is known for.

“We are delighted to see a good number of colleagues achieve apprenticeships over the last 12 months and are excited to welcome our next cohort on to their programmes.”

Benchmarx has more than 130 branches nationwide, supplying kitchens and joinery for trade professionals and their customers.

Source : Benchmarx

Image : Benchmarx

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