Skills & Education | 11
Campaigning for timber sector education, training and skills development
LIGHT ON APPRENTICES HOWDENS SHINES A
Howdens, the UK’s leading trade kitchen supplier, championed apprentices during this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16) with success stories from its team
assistant managers, designers, reps, business developers, or working in the warehouse.”
“It’s such a challenging time for young people who are unsure about their future after school,” she added. “Apprenticeships provide them with a qualification, a great salary, and, most importantly, hands-on experience. At our depot, we’ve had apprentices for many years and will continue to do so. As an apprentice, you’re given time to learn and train on the job without the immediate pressure of getting everything right. This creates a supportive environment where you can build your confidence and skills.
Above left: Depot manager Hayley Burton-Pye Above right: Apprentice business developer Lewis Kenny
Hayley Burton-Pye began her career in 1998 as an apprentice administrator at a Howdens depot and is now manager at the Stourbridge depot in the West Midlands, where the team manages a large number of trade accounts.
“I got to experience a variety of responsibilities, from admin work to customer service and business development,” said Ms Burton-Pye. “It gave me confidence in dealing with tradespeople and understanding their needs.”
She credits her apprenticeship with providing a strong foundation for her future career. After completing her qualification, Ms Burton-Pye transitioned to a permanent role as a business developer, which allowed her to build strong relationships with local tradespeople – many of whom still trade with her team more than 25 years later.
“When I left school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or how I would get there,” she said. “Without the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have joined Howdens or had the incredible opportunities I’ve had throughout my career.”
Ms Burton-Pye is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and their impact on both individuals and the business. “It’s a fantastic starting point for a great career with lots of opportunities. I’ve had many apprentices start with me who are now depot managers,
“It’s a great way to start your career path while receiving valuable training and experience. For me, it was the foundation of everything I’ve achieved at Howdens.”
At the start of his apprenticeship journey, Lewis
Kenny, apprentice business developer at Liverpool Sandhills, joined Howdens after studying for his A-Levels and considering different career options. “There are quite a few reasons to consider an apprenticeship,” said Mr Kenny. “Certainly, to begin with, would be the fact that I learn and earn. More than that, however, I am completely aware of my chances to progress in the company after my apprenticeship if I perform to an exceptional standard. At a depot level, the early careers co-ordinator, my team, and my depot manager have all guided me in the expectations for an apprentice and then assisted and given me more and more opportunities throughout the last six months. It actually feels like I’m an integrated member already within the depot.
“I much prefer the hands-on workload of an apprenticeship over the academic workload in a college; therefore, I am a lot less stressed, and I feel that I can actually learn, grow, and develop here. I have high hopes to go far with Howdens – I am certain that I can make that a reality with this apprenticeship behind me. Howdens is a great company to work for. It feels more like a company you work with rather than for.” ■
Supporting the Confederation of Timber Industries’ (CTI) Skills & Education initiative
www.ttjonline.com | March/April 2025 | TTJ
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69
