Martin Carley-White, 50, a Tool Hire Manager at Travis Perkins Hire has proved it is never too late to learn after completing an apprenticeship in leadership skills.

Carley-White has recently finished his Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship, giving him all the tools for the job.

Travis Perkins Hire says it is committed to supporting the development of apprentices and investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. Over the last 12 months, 22 colleagues have either completed apprenticeships or have started one.

Carley-White works at the Potters Bar Travis Perkins branch on Barnet Road, and he has always had a keen eye for personal development after he upskilled 15 years ago to get his HGV licence, allowing him to begin working for Travis Perkins as a HGV driver.

After 10 years behind the wheel, he became a tool hire fitter but, with the ambition of progressing to being a leader within the team, he embarked on the Level 3 apprenticeship to give himself the skills to do so.

Speaking during National Apprenticeship Week, Carley-White said: “After spending almost 10 years driving HGVs, I was keen to get into a different part of the business, and moving to TP Hire felt like a good fit.

“I have always been the kind of person who likes to keep pushing forward and keep improving myself. I wanted to become a manager, so just over a year ago, I embarked on the Level 3 apprenticeship to learn the skills needed.

“Within that, I learnt a great deal about time management and different techniques to try and get the best out of the other people in the team, as well as myself.

“In my previous career before I started at Travis Perkins, I used to manage people and this course would have been so valuable for that career too.”

Six months into his apprenticeship, Carley-White was promoted to a managerial role where he oversees the daily operations of the tool hire department at the branch in Hertfordshire.

“I am so grateful to Travis Perkins for giving me the opportunity to develop my skills and continue to push my career forward,” he continued. “They were very encouraging throughout the process, allowing me time to complete my studies.

“I would encourage anyone to broaden their horizons and do what I did. You should never stop learning.”