Headlam: Futureproofing The Workforce Through Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are an effective way to recruit and retain employees, offering qualifications for career progression and opportunities for those without higher education who didn’t think such career paths were possible.

Headlam, the UK’s leading floorcovering distributor, recognises the value of apprenticeship programmes and plans to expand its programme this year, increasing the number of programmes and available. Currently, it offers schemes in driver and customer service roles, lasting 12 months to two years, with apprentices paid the role rate, which is often above the standard apprenticeship wage.

On the apprenticeship programme, Clare Moore, Chief People and Sustainability Officer says: “At Headlam, apprenticeships are a highly valued source of talent and enable us to work with the communities in which we operate to help improve employability, particularly for those who may not have considered a career in flooring. Apprenticeships provide a good environment for people to learn in and discover the variety and excitement of a career in the flooring industry.”

Since 2019, 19 apprentices have completed Headlam’s apprenticeship programmes, with five receiving promotions, demonstrating the benefits of participation. This year, we are adding even more resource.

Case Study – Sophie Edmunds

Name: Sophie Edmunds

Role & Location: Trade Counter Manager - Mercado Epsom Trade Counter

Apprenticeship Programme: Customer Service Specialist – Level 3

Working at Headlam since: Began as a Trade Counter Assistant one year ago and was recently promoted to Branch Manager

Why did you decide to join this apprenticeship scheme? And what has been your highlight of the programme so far?

Having started my career at Headlam as a trade counter assistant, I wanted to expand my skillset in customer service. The apprenticeship programme appealed to me as a great route to develop my product knowledge and capabilities to deliver the best service to our customers.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other apprentices with whom I could share ideas and knowledge and work together to help each other achieve our goals.

What have been the most valuable skills or knowledge you've gained during the apprenticeship?

As I was relatively new to the world of flooring, this apprenticeship gave me invaluable knowledge and understanding of our customers’ journey and how to apply this to improving my customer service delivery. In my role, I need to be able to help customers with any problems they may have and this apprenticeship has given me the right skills to do so.

What are you plans after completing the apprenticeship? Has doing the scheme influenced your career goals and aspirations?

Since starting the apprenticeship, I have been promoted to Trade Counter Manager, which is very exciting. Doing the scheme has supported me in becoming more confident in my capabilities. This in turn has helped me to support those around me by passing on knowledge to my colleagues. I look forward to implementing all of the skills and knowledge I have learned during this programme and to reap the benefits, both in the sales growth of Mercado – Headlam, but also my professional career.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing an apprenticeship scheme, or someone starting out on their journey?

Go for it! You learn such a variety of things, from practical job-specific knowledge such as customer journey and product knowledge to soft skills like time management which will always benefit you throughout your professional career. I also think the great thing about apprenticeships is that you meet new people who are going through the same experience and who you can ask for support and advice in a safe environment. The end goal is to become the best you can be and this apprenticeship has helped me unlock that.

Case Study: Camilla Suggett

Role & Location: Customer Service Manager - Mercado Thatcham

Apprenticeship Programme: Operational Departmental Management – Degree Apprenticeship

Working at Headlam since: 2022

Why did you decide to join the apprenticeship scheme?

I’ve always pushed other people to develop in their roles and go for new opportunities but was challenged by a mentor to consider the Operational Departmental Management Apprenticeship. It was not something I had previously considered before for my own development and career path and I am so glad that I said yes.

What was the highlight of your programme?

There were many great highlights but my personal favourite would have to be getting to work closely with senior leaders in helping to shape what leadership development could look like for Headlam as part of my end point assessment project. Not only did I get to develop myself and my own leadership skills, but to know my work will help others on their learning journeys is also career highlight.

What was the most valuable skills or knowledge that you gained during the apprenticeship?

As a manager you can often fall into the trap of becoming reactive to situations and not proactive so gaining the skills to better manage my time and tasks in my role and also self-reflect is incredibly helpful. I also really enjoyed getting to spend time learning how to project manage using a budget, both things I had never had the opportunity to do in my previous roles so it is a great skill in becoming a more holistic leader.

What are your plans now you’ve completed the apprenticeship?

I plan to continue to push myself as a leader in the business ensuring I utilise the skills I learned within the apprenticeships. The potential for an opportunity to look into a more operational management role excites me also, so watch this space.

Has doing the scheme influenced your career goals and aspirations?

This apprenticeship has opened my eyes to doors I did not realise I wanted to open, I’m excited to see what my career holds. I honestly never thought I would have the opportunity to gain a foundation degree level qualification through work so many years after I left school.

What advice would you give to someone considering doing an apprenticeship scheme, or someone starting out on their journey?

Your only limitation on what is possible is you so if you can take the time to drive your own development, I would absolutely recommend it.

Source : Headlam

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