Fourteen Gibbs & Dandy employees have officially completed their apprenticeships after graduating from the builders’ merchant’s tailor-made training course.

The 12-month scheme provided a work-based learning experience and helped the apprentices develop a broad range of skills and knowledge. This involved apprentices working alongside experienced members of staff to gain job-specific skills and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

One of the apprentices, Nasima Begun was recently named Trainee of the Year at the Builders’ Merchants Awards for Excellence. Earlier this year, Nasima also won a ‘Bright Star Award’, a scheme run by Luton Borough Council in conjunction with her School Improvement Development, which is specifically for young people who are in, or have left care.

Neil Lawrence, managing director of Gibbs & Dandy, said the main objectives of the apprenticeship scheme were to provide job opportunities, particularly to young people from a disadvantaged background, improve diversity within the business, as well as pass on key skills that could be lost through retirement.

He said: “Congratulations to all of them for completing their apprenticeships and I hope they go on to enjoy long, successful careers with us.

“This programme has proved to be very successful for us in many aspects. This is the first time the programme was taken on by Gibbs & Dandy, therefore it was important for us to ensure that we correctly informed, communicate with, and supported all those involved.

“A workforce is a company’s best resource, so it’s very important to the success of a business to be able to attract and retain top quality employees at all levels and in all positions. I think Gibbs & Dandy manages to achieve this because of the way we treat our employees, whether that’s ongoing training and career development, or flexible working opportunities.”

The apprentices have now moved on to work full-time at their respective branches, but will continue to receive training relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Below is a full list of the apprentices and where they will be based:

  • Luton branch: Aaron McDonnell; Alex Mutton; Nasima Begum; and Georgia Porritt
  • Hereford branch: Ellie Bundy
  • Henley on Thames: Kieran Butler
  • Bournemouth: Comfort Mmoledi
  • Bedford: Claire Watson
  • Pudsey: Luke Reynolds
  • Leeds: James Hoyland
  • Worksop: Kyle Gaskell
  • Frazer Walsall: Rebecca Webb
  • Frazer Newton Abbott: Tom Leach; and Lewis Perring.