From Kickstart to career: How Charlie’s life changed for the better with his Apprenticeship.
Charlie Lee had not been in full-time employment until he joined Travis Perkins through the Kickstart scheme, and had previously been on Universal Credit. After trying to find work, Charlie believed he was unsuccessful for a few reasons; his background, having no experience, and no qualifications.
However, after coming across the Kickstart scheme, Charlie’s life changed for the better when he was given the opportunity to do an apprenticeship. Read his story below.
Providing opportunities to people from all walks of life
Charlie is from the travelling community, and he tends to keep to himself as he has experienced discrimination in the past and found school difficult because of it. By the age of 19, Charlie had no work experience, little education and undiagnosed dyslexia but he knew he wanted to make something of himself so when the opportunity to join Travis Perkins through the Kickstart scheme came up he jumped at the chance.
By October 2021, only 4 months into the programme at the Wisbech branch his supervisor and mentor Thom saw his potential and pushed for Charlie to be employed full time which the Branch Manager happily did.
A commitment to learning and developing skills
Charlie was then allowed to start the Level 2 Trade Supplier apprenticeship programme and has since passed Maths and English Level 1 and 2, even though he did not need Level 2 in Maths and English to gain his apprenticeship qualification he opted to do so as he is keen to learn and develop himself further, showing real commitment and engagement to learning.
His apprenticeship coach Susan Howes said, “Charlie has shown great determination and commitment to his learning and development, I can honestly say it has been a joy to work with him and watch his confidence grow.”
Gaining independence
Since joining Travis Perkins, Charlie has achieved so much in work and his personal life because of the opportunity available to him through Travis Perkins and the LEAP Apprenticeships. Before, Charlie relied on his family for financial support, transport, and accommodation. However, he was able to purchase a 50cc moped initially with his wages to get to work while he was on the Kickstart scheme, and since being employed full time has bought a 125cc bike. Charlie has found further independence and has moved into his own rented home, which he loves, and is very happy.
Charlie has no plans on stopping with his next steps being to pass his driving test and continue to develop his career through learning.
Gaining knowledge and increasing responsibilities
Charlie’s role responsibilities have slowly increased due to his eagerness to learn and the knowledge he has gained through his apprenticeship learning, allowing him to be effective within his role. Charlie now has the skills, knowledge and behaviours to provide great customer service, be an active team member, boost team morale with his positive attitude, and encourage his colleagues to join an apprenticeship programme.
Charlie’s learning of the products has allowed him to deepen relationships with customers, as well as support his colleagues who state he is hardworking, trustworthy, and reliable.
Why do an apprenticeship at Travis Perkins?
Regarding his apprenticeship, Charlie said it has taught him a lot about the business and provided him with the confidence to talk to customers and suppliers. “When I first started I wasn’t that confident, but I’ve grown a lot. I have now been able to move out of my mum and dad’s place, I have a motorbike and I have my own freedom and that is all because of the apprenticeship and it is my first step to going further through the business”
Charlie’s apprenticeship said, “He has shown great determination and commitment to his personal learning and development, I can honestly say it has been a joy to work with him and watch his confidence grow.”
Have you been inspired by Charlie’s career story?
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