Here at Bradfords, we’re incredibly proud of our apprenticeship programme.
Bringing people into the business through apprenticeship pathways allows us to develop motivated individuals who are eager to learn, grow and become truly multi‑skilled.
In an industry that can find it challenging to attract and retain talent, apprenticeships open doors to people we may not otherwise reach — and in return, we gain committed team members who make a real impact.
The key to developing a great apprentice is the support they receive. With a strong team and effective leadership around them, an apprentice can quickly become one of the most versatile members of the branch. Their training gives them a broad understanding of our business and insights into how their branch or department operates.
Apprentices at Bradfords shared their insight, experiences and skills they’ve learned during their apprenticeship:
“From day 1 as an apprentice at Bradfords, I was supported by everyone around me; we were viewed as the future for Bradfords and the industry. At no point did I ever feel alone and like there wasn’t anyone around me to help. As a visual learner, I was able to begin a new career, with basically zero knowledge of the industry, by learning on the job, as an apprentice. Through a structured programme, where I had many colleagues and trainers around me, I was able to ask for help in any direction I turned.”
– Zoe Harvey, Former Apprentice in Wareham and winner of BMJ Young Achiever Award, 2024
“The best parts of the apprenticeship are the confidence that you gain day to day and all the skills that you learn during that time. Now I have finished the apprenticeship it has made me very valuable in branch as I am able to cover any department and have a base knowledge in everything. I am glad that I completed the apprenticeship – it has completely transformed me as a person making me more confident. The knowledge I have gained has put me in a great position to move forward. The support I have had along the way has been unbelievable during my journey.”
– Josh Thick, Malvern
“The apprenticeship has given me a confidence boost, I feel more confident to talk to people in and outside of work. It has also given me lots of new knowledge and skills about building products and taught me life skills which are essential to every day life.”
– Katie Hill, Apprentice Sales Assistant, Sherborne
“It has given me more confidence in myself, whether that being my communication over the phone or via email which has improved to my organisational skills having to time keep more due to working on a deadline calendar basis.”
– Brooke Williams, Apprentice Purchase Ledger Assistant, Yeovil
The view from the top highlights how important the addition of apprentices have on teams:
“We have found that having an apprentice has been a great addition, that is why we are on our fourth. Everything is new to them when they start, so they have no set agenda of how things should work, which has made training them a delight.”
– Sue Rowley, Finance Office Manager
“Having an apprentice in branch has benefitted the branch and the business. They are learning on the job and in the industry. Their learning challenges them to look at all aspects of our business working outside, driving a forklift, serving on the counter, answering the phones and gaining insights into the support centre and other key departments. For the branch, they get an all-rounder. For the apprentice, they become multi skilled and have a chance to explore and understand the wider business.”
– Shaun Denslow, BM Seaton
With the right support and encouragement, apprentices bring new energy, fresh perspectives, and valuable skills that enhance the whole team and this is something we want to build on.
