Wickes has developed and implemented a one-of-a-kind installation apprentice programme aimed at developing skills and opportunities in our local communities.
Jack Drury is an Installation Apprentice at Wickes in Derby, developing his skills with building and fitting kitchens in our customers' homes. He started with us in November 2021 and is about 10 months into an 18-month-long apprenticeship, so we spoke to him about why he decided to join, and how he’s been progressing.
Why did you decide to apply for the installation apprenticeship?
“I’d been working in a factory for about five or six years and I felt capable of doing more than the same thing every day. Truthfully, I fancied a challenge.
Fitting a kitchen is always something I’ve had an interest in but before starting at Wickes, I had no previous experience in this industry and had never even picked up a power tool.
I was really excited by the prospect of learning and developing a new skill set. It’s motivating to go from having absolutely no previous knowledge or experience in this industry to becoming a fully qualified kitchen fitter. My ultimate goal is to learn how to fit an entire kitchen, including tiling.”
What do you most enjoy about the apprenticeship?
“I can make as much out of this apprenticeship as I want to, but the thing I most enjoy is a huge sense of achievement in providing one of the most important rooms in a home that will be there for a very long time.
Another positive aspect is gaining knowledge from each new project and also from other tradespeople i.e. electrical and plumbing. I’ve gone from standing by a machine all day not really interacting with anyone, to now interacting and building relationships with my installer, other tradespeople and best of all, customers. No two jobs are the same, so I’m learning something new and building relationships every day.”
What does the installation apprenticeship involve?
“There are two parts to the apprenticeship; practical work and assessments at a college. Over the course of 18 months, there are 24 modules to complete and pass, which include providing photo evidence. I think it’s really achievable to pass the modules and the final assessment, as long as you’re listening and learning from the experienced installer you’ve been paired with.
There are different cohort groups for each intake of apprentices. I’m in Group 5 and everyone gets along really well. It’s a really diverse group but we all talk to each other, sharing advice and tips which have been useful.
Plus, the Wickes apprenticeship team are great, they are always on standby and present constant opportunities with training courses, including a recent one in Durham on fitting worktops.”
What does a typical day look like as an installer?
“Naturally every project is unique but typically a kitchen can be finished within 1 to 2 weeks. At the beginning of any new job, I head to a customer's house to get started at about 9 am. Firstly, we check what the agreement is and what needs to be done, and then I like to give myself targets to complete along the way, i.e. to get all the worktops in by the end of the day.
We may be working alongside other tradespeople, so I like to ask questions and learn at any opportunity. We take around 30 minutes for lunch and generally finish up around 5 pm but sometimes I like to stay on to get more finished.”
What has been the most challenging thing about the apprenticeship so far?
“It was challenging initially having zero experience of fitting a kitchen, having no knowledge of kitchen terminology, no previous use of power tools, and not knowing how to maintain them.
Looking back, having started from scratch, I’ve already come so far, so I feel more than capable of getting where I want to be by the end.”
Have you got any advice for someone thinking of joining Wickes as an installation apprentice?
“Honestly, just go for it. I think the main thing people worry about is dropping down to an apprentice's wage but for 18 months but it's so worth it. You get paired with someone that has extensive experience, so you get countless opportunities to learn.
From what I’ve seen Wickes is growing and progressing, and this will only continue. I’m taking every opportunity presented to me, and I’d advise anyone else in a similar position to do the same.”
Have you been inspired by Jack’s career story?
We have plenty of opportunities around the UK to join our highly successful Kitchen Installations apprenticeship programme.
Are you interested in learning a new profession, and gaining new skills and experience to launch your career with the UK’s leading home improvement retailer? Look no further, we have something for you.
Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities at Wickes, or get started with an application for an apprenticeship today.
