Did you know you may still be able to receive Universal Credit payments if you start a job? Before enrolling on the Kickstart Scheme with Travis Perkins, Thomas hadn’t considered working for a builders merchant, but now he loves it.
At Travis Perkins, we pride ourselves on creating a great environment to work in and that's why we have been voted one of the UK’s Top Employers every year since 2010. We support our people, empowering them to look after our business and our loyal customer base. Here’s Thomas’ story of kickstarting his career at Travis Perkins:
Helping customers and providing the best service
In the Yard, Thomas enjoys working on the front line, dealing with our customers, discussing what they’re working on in their projects and providing a first-class service. Our branch teams play a vital role in our continued success, taking pride in all that they do.
Thomas particularly enjoys making sure that the Yard is tidy for colleagues and customers, as well as maintaining health and safety which is a top priority here at Travis Perkins.
Returning to work after the pandemic
Before Thomas joined us, he was on Universal Credit and hadn’t had a job in 2 years. Prior to that, he was doing an NVQ Level 3 in Mechanics, but during the pandemic, along with 114 million others, he lost his job.
When the economy started to recover, more jobs opened up and the Job Centre recommended the Kickstart Scheme to Thomas. The Kickstart Scheme creates jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit, and through it, Thomas was offered a six-month role with Travis Perkins.
A supportive working environment
Thomas has been enjoying his current position so much that he wants to stay with us. In the near future, he plans to enrol on an apprenticeship scheme that Travis Perkins offers colleagues as part of their ongoing development. The programme includes an in-depth focus on health and safety in the branch and then training to operate a forklift truck so he can further develop his skills.
When asked about the working environment and culture, Thomas gave an encouraging response. “It helps when you get on with people you work with. When I first started with the Kickstart Scheme, my colleagues were really helpful. If I had any questions they would help me. Everyone was great.”
In the future, Thomas is keen to step up to a managerial role, perhaps working up the ladder to be a Yard Supervisor when he has more experience behind him.
Are you looking to kickstart your career?
We asked Thomas what he’d say to someone considering a career within the Travis Perkins Group. He said; “Don’t have any reservations, go for it. I would definitely recommend the Kickstart Scheme. It gives you an opportunity to try out a role for six months before you commit to it. Now I love the job.”
We’ve got an open-door policy for anyone who wants to work hard and develop their skillset, and we’ll provide career progression opportunities along the way. If you’re looking for a job, and you want to work for an employer who supports you and develops your career, we may have something for you.
Browse our available branch, store and showroom jobs today or sign up for our job alerts so you never miss an opportunity.
