MERCHANT FOCUS: GRAHAM PLUMBERS’ MERCHANT
“I am enjoying the variety of work in the branch and warehouse and compared to my previous roles in admin, it is nice to do work that is active, and where no two days are the same. I enjoy working with my colleagues from all departments, there’s a really lovely team at the
Norwich branch.” Ashleigh Thomas –
Management Trainee at the Norwich branch
specially tailored e-learning modules but also in collaboration with our supply partners.” Trainees participate in training sessions on new products alongside their colleagues and also have the opportunity to visit the suppliers’ facilities to learn more about how the products are manufactured. Hughes says that the company is also working to develop this further to give trainees a deeper understanding across all of the Graham areas of expertise.
At the end of the programme, Hughes says, the aim is for the trainees to have the right experience, skills and attitude to be able to fulfil an Assistant Branch Manager role. Throughout the 18 months they will have gradually taken on more responsibility to equip them with the knowledge they need to support their manager in the everyday running of a branch. Every trainee that completes the course is guaranteed this job, however they also have the option to diversify into other roles within Graham, should they not want to pursue Branch Management roles. Hughes says the scheme helps Graham recruit on the basis of attitude and potential as well as attracting new talent in a variety of ways. “We have built our success on the people that work in all areas of the business, and a mix of different backgrounds, experiences and ideas has helped us continue to grow and thrive for more than 80 years.
“We have always understood that the teams in the branches are the public face of Graham and giving the trainees a strong base will help ensure that they are best equipped to lead in the future.
This is especially important with the industry set to change dramatically in the next decade and beyond. We know that to be successful, experience and understanding of all areas of our business is critical and this programme supports our Management Trainees to achieve this. Hughes believes that, for the trainees, one of the benefits is the exposure to so many parts of the business and the opportunities for career advancement that this offers. She says that the experiences they gain help them to be in the best possible position to grow in their role and advance within Graham. “While most of the trainees continue to develop their careers in branch, several of the previous graduates of the scheme have gone on to be part of the category management teams based at our head office. This allows them to find the place in the organisation that is right for them, building on what they have learnt and specialising their skills and knowledge.
“Being part of the Saint-Gobain Group also allows them access to a wider range of prospects that they would not have had with other apprenticeships and management trainee schemes.
“Looking ahead to the challenges, opportunities and changes that both the merchant and plumbing and heating sectors will face in the coming years, we believe that investing in our teams in this way will have numerous benefits. We hope their experiences will give them the perspective to look at situations in new ways and help us devise
“I love that the variety of this job will always present new challenges and opportunities. I hope that even when I think I have experienced it all, something new will arise requiring a
different solution or approach.” Joseph McDonnell – Hayes End Branch.
July 2020
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
“I love coming to work in a place where I feel like the things that matter to me also matter to the company as a whole. This has not been the case in some of my previous jobs and it can make it a much less enjoyable place to work. I also look forward to one day working with my own team.”
Mohsin Ahouchi, Horsham branch.
innovative solutions, to the benefit of both customers and our business. We are already seeing this happen and our trainees have begun to contribute new and different ideas, which we have embraced. They are also challenging us in the best possible way to make improvements and identify potential that others may not have considered.
“All the Management Trainees have proved hardworking, dedicated and popular with their colleagues and customers. As such, they are highly valued and appreciated within our business. We look forward to helping them continue their career with us and cannot wait to see what they go on to achieve.” BMJ
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