Wickes apprentices set to graduate from UK’s first ever bathroom apprenticeship
Following the success of the kitchen installation apprenticeship, home improvement retailer Wickes will see its first cohort of students graduate from its bathroom installation apprenticeship, the first of its kind in the UK, in just under a year's time.
Running over 18 months, the course provides students with key life skills. Once complete, they receive a Level 2 Fitted Furniture accreditation with the opportunity to set up their own business and become an approved Wickes bathroom installer.
With the first set of bathroom graduates set to complete the course in January 2025, keen applicants can find out more and register their interest via the Wickes Careers website, providing they have a full driving licence and access to a car.
Available in varying locations across England, students will work Monday-Friday, learning in real life situations with a Wickes Approved Installer. Teaching a wide range of essential skills, from plumbing and tiling, to shower and bath installation, students will produce a portfolio and attend in-house training to help them set up their own business once the programme is completed.
Alongside the hands-on experience, apprentices will have access to a wide range of resources, including a training provider, a skills college and product suppliers, who can provide additional training.
The bathroom installation scheme follows the success of Wickes’ kitchen installation apprenticeship with the very first graduate, Nathan Taylor, now running his own business.
"The program teaches you all transferable skills needed in your career. Participants are offered the chance to learn about all the different aspects of furniture fitting, from how to fit worktops, to controlling a tool correctly, to learning how to deliver excellent customer service, and so much more.
Nathan Taylor Apprenticeship Graduate
As part of the program, I got the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and, with seven weeks together at the training centre in Nottingham, we had the chance to build some great friendships."
"The bathroom installation apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn a trade whilst working. I’ve learnt so much already and I know this is a career I want to stay in. There is a lot to learn but it’s a great opportunity to strengthen my skills and work alongside experts in the trade. Once the apprenticeship finishes, I want to set up my own business and this gives me a great foundation to start creating my future."
Sophia Fearon Current Wickes bathroom apprentice
"We are excited to be the first bathroom apprenticeship course in the UK. As a home improvement retailer, we take pride in using our expertise to give younger generations the opportunity to hone their skills and become installation experts themselves. Igniting passion in the next generation, the scheme finds and nurtures young talent, and we look forward to seeing what this new cohort achieves."
Sonia Astill Chief of People
For more information on the Wickes Apprenticeship Scheme and for application forms, visit Bathroom Installation Apprenticeships.
Notes to Editors
For more information, please get in touch with the Wickes Press Office at Clarion Communications on 020 7479 0910 or email wickes@clarioncomms.co.uk
Or visit our website wickes.co.uk
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Facebook: @Wickes
About Wickes
Wickes is a digitally led, service-enabled home improvement retailer. With an extensive range of products and DIY brands, a Kitchen & Bathroom design and installation service and a loyalty scheme for local trade, Wickes is the perfect partner to help with both small and large-scale projects. With 230 stores across the UK and an extended range online, it has everything customers need, whether an amateur DIY-er or trade professional.