Luxury kitchen and bathroom retailer Day True, which has showrooms in Chelsea and Wimbledon, has employed apprentices for the past two years. We ask owner  of the business Tony Robson what benefits it offers his company and the wider industry

Owners of Day True, hushand and wife team, Hayley and Tony Robson

Q: When did you first take on an apprentice and why did you make that decision for your business? 

A: We took on our first apprentice at Day True two year’s ago but I have always worked with apprentices in every business that I have worked in or owned.

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I believe it helps both newcomers to the industry and the business itself. Sharing years of knowledge and experience can really help an apprentice move quickly through the business having hands-on experience and learning new skills at the college at the same time.

We made the decision for the business to help grow the team, and gain new skills for the business.

The decision wasn’t taken lightly as we knew we must help nurture our apprentice and have time to teach them and be taught.

We take this route in many other areas of the business, employing people straight from university or second jobbers.

Q: How many apprentices do you have in your business and what roles/duties do they perform? 

A: We currently have two apprentices Chloe and Kacee. Chloe was our first apprentice and her role when she joined was digital marketing apprentice, Kacee joined last year as our kitchen Installation apprentice.

Chloe has now completed her apprenticeship and is fully employed by Day True and has now become our full time marketing executive. She has brought lots of enthusiasm to our marketing and new knowledge.

Kacee is learning with Max, our head of installations and is an extremely valued member of the team. Learning on the job is essential in this role as no two jobs or issues are the same.

Q: How are they working out and do you have any plans to take on more? 

A: Both our apprenticeships are essential to the team now and are fully integrated into company ethos and the Day True way.

As the company grows we would definitely look to take more apprenticeships for different areas of the business.

Q: How did you find the apprentices and how has the whole process been? 

A: A close contact of mine suggested the digital marketing apprenticeship as they had an apprentice via the programme so that is how we found Chloe.

Kacee was interviewed and found via the BiKKBI apprenticeship program.

The whole process has been extremely rewarding for both the business and Chloe and Kacee – providing skills, a qualification and experience all in one program.

Q: What has been the most challenging element of taking on an apprentice? 

A: I would say the challenges have been the same as taking on any new member of staff in finding the right personality for the company culture and then also making sure you take the time to teach and be taught.

Q: What has been the biggest success of taking on an apprentice? 

A: The biggest success for Day True of taking on apprentices is that we have a great team that are willing to learn and grow with the company.

Both Chloe and Kacee have bought new thought processes to the business and we have helped them in their chosen careers.

Q: Do you believe KBB retailers have a duty to create apprenticeships in their business? 

A: Retailers have a huge part in helping to create apprenticeships, investing time and energy into passing on skills and knowledge can only benefit the industry now and in the future.

It helps improve the reputation of your business, if all of your team is working in the same customer service led way.

The reputation of our businesses heavily rely on the craftsman we employ to visit people’s homes to install kitchens and bathrooms.

With the lack of practical skills being taught in schools and education moving heavily to academics it leaves a big gap for many youngsters who don’t want a more hands on job role.