The long summer break from University is a great opportunity to develop your personal and professional skills, and to try out a job or career ahead of stepping into full time work after graduating. It’s a chance to gain transferable skills, connections and industry insights in a busy working environment.
Sebastian is a student, and joined Travis Perkins on our Summer Placement scheme in June 2021. Supporting the branch team in Malvern, he spent most of his time working outdoors enjoying the Great British weather, where he helped customers to purchase heavy side products (bricks, blocks, paving, sand, aggregates, landscaping products and timber) and load up their vehicles. Here’s why he decided to join Travis Perkins last summer:
Why did you choose Travis Perkins’ summer placement scheme?
We asked Sebastian why he chose to join us on his break from University. ‘I was drawn to the Student Summer Placement scheme because not only did it provide the opportunity to gain work experience and employability skills but it also paid a real living wage.’
During his placement, Sebastian worked 30 hours per week and was thrilled to be offered a permanent 16 hour contract, with flexibility to work more hours during the holiday periods when he returned to University in the autumn. ‘I am a law student at the University of Worcester, and Travis Perkins has been really flexible and accommodating in helping to fit my working hours around my university studies.’ We really do value all of our staff, so we’ll do our best to give you the work/life balance that you’re looking for.
How did you find working at Travis Perkins?
Sebastian enjoys getting out, being active and meeting different people so he fitted right in working in one of our branches. Over the summer he particularly liked helping customers with their queries and finding what they needed for their projects.
We asked if Sebastian had any reservations about applying for a job with us, but he said he didn’t, and that we’d more than met his expectations. ‘I feel comfortable working here and everyone is great.’ This is great to hear, because on our journey to becoming a truly diverse and inclusive employer, we strive to foster a welcoming culture of openness, so that everyone feels safe and comfortable working with us.
Have you considered a career within the Travis Perkins Group?
Sebastian hasn’t confirmed his plans for the future yet. At the moment, he wants to pursue a legal career, however, he says that if a legal role ever came up at Travis Perkins Head Office in the future, he’d definitely be interested.
His advice to anyone applying for a job at Travis Perkins is to go for it. Sebastian has proven that you don’t need to have previous experience to work in our branches, as full training is provided. ‘A new colleague joined us a few weeks ago and you wouldn’t be able to tell that they’ve just started. You can slot into the role and become very proficient in a short time. Just enjoy it!’ Great advice, Sebastian!
We have job opportunities to suit personal requirements
Abdi is another great example of being able to work part time at Travis Perkins whilst studying. 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.
Have you been inspired by Sebastian’s and Abdi’s stories about part-time work whilst studying? We’ll soon be advertising for our student placement scheme again. In the meantime, browse our available part time roles or flexible working hours today, or sign up to our job alerts so you never miss an opportunity.
