Abdi works as a part-time Shop Assistant at Travis Perkins in Vauxhall. When he started searching for a job, he was looking for something hands-on that would keep him active. He wanted a role that he could balance with his journalism studies as well as being something he might enjoy.
He’s found that aside from the flexibility of his hours, within the Group there isn’t a narrow field. We have a wide variety of roles which can be adaptable to fit your needs and career progression. Read his story and find out more about jobs that give you the work/life balance you’re looking for within the Travis Perkins Group here:
‘I like being active and helping customers and colleagues as a point of reference’
Abdi’s role originally involved working as a Sales Assistant in the yard (where our heavy side materials like bricks, paving slabs, hardcore, jumbo sandbags and timber are stored outside), but has recently moved to working on the shop floor inside the branch.
He now helps to stock shelves within a small team of staff and makes sure that the goods that arrive from the supplier are moved from the palettes and organised on the shelves. More recently, he’s being trained on the counter, which he considers to be another skill that is useful to know and makes his role flexible in terms of what he does every day.
A great introduction to the industry
Before joining Travis Perkins, Abdi previously worked as a part-time steward in a football stadium helping to run events. His initial thoughts about starting a role at Travis Perkins was that it was a completely new environment and he wondered how he would adapt and be comfortable. However, after the first 6 months, Abdi feels like he’s eased into the role and the business and understands what’s required.
He says the role is a great introduction to the building industry, and although his role is part-time whilst he studies, he doesn’t know what the future holds. ‘Maybe I can progress my career in a different way; I’m open-minded to that. The schemes that Travis Perkins have introduced for apprenticeships look really good.’
We offer a variety of award-winning apprenticeship programmes, for people at any stage in their career. They’re a great way to kick off a career change, or to keep learning extra skills to step up the career ladder.
A flexible and supportive culture
As a company, Abdi has found Travis Perkins very accommodating in relation to his studies. He’s in his final year at university and wants to see how journalism goes, but through the opportunities and the skills and knowledge that he’s learned, he’s definitely not ruling out pursuing a career in the longer term at Travis Perkins.
‘The flexibility and support that I’ve received keeps me working at Travis Perkins. I do enjoy the work, it’s not a chore. I’m very lucky. I’d definitely recommend working here to someone else of a similar age or studying at college or university. I’d say, give it a try and see where it takes you. Make that leap of faith. You never know, you might stumble into a great career that you might not have considered. There are so many opportunities within this business, and across the wider Group.’
The misconception of what working for a builder’s merchant can be like
Abdi is a great example for others that are similar in age or situation to him. ‘If a friend came up to me and asked about it, I would share the positive experience that I’ve had here and let them know the different opportunities that you can get.’
Abdi’s final advice and summary to anyone unsure of their career, is to be open-minded and consider all the opportunities within the business. He says that often you can have a misconception about what working for a builder’s merchant can be like. Instead, find out more information about what the company has to offer and don’t be afraid to take an opportunity as you might really enjoy the business, and the experience could contribute to you enjoying a career that you might not have considered.
‘Be open minded, be bold and take on a positive opportunity. TP is a really nice place to work. You could benefit from the experience. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work but definitely give it a try.’
Available part-time jobs at Travis Perkins
Have you been inspired by Abdi’s story? We have a range of part-time roles available if you’re looking for a job to work around your existing commitments.
Browse our part-time jobs today or sign up to our job alerts so you don’t miss another opportunity!
