First cohort of Wickes bathroom apprentices set to graduate

Wickes has announced that the first cohort of students enrolled in its bathroom installation apprenticeship – the first of its kind in the UK – are set to graduate in under a year’s time. 

The apprenticeship was launched following the success of the retailer’s kitchen installation apprenticeship. 

Running over 18 months, the course provides students with key life skills, and once complete, they receive a Level 2 Fitted Furniture accreditation with the opportunity to set up their own business and become an approved Wickes bathroom installer.

Available in varying locations across England, students will work Monday to Friday, learning in real life situations with a Wickes-approved installer. 

The apprenticeship offers a wide range of essential skills, from plumbing and tiling, to shower and bath installation. Apprentices will also produce a portfolio and attend in-house training to help them set up their own business once the programme is completed.

Alongside the hands-on experience, apprentices will have access to a wide range of resources, including a training provider, a skills college and product suppliers, who can provide additional training.

Sonia Astill, chief of people at Wickes, said: “We are excited to be the first bathroom apprenticeship course in the UK. As a home improvement retailer, we take pride in using our expertise to give younger generations the opportunity to hone their skills and become installation experts themselves. 

“Igniting passion in the next generation, the scheme finds and nurtures young talent, and we look forward to seeing what this new cohort achieves.”