Nathan Taylor becomes first Wickes apprentice to set up his own installations business
We’re absolutely delighted that the first apprentice from the Wickes pilot Installer Apprenticeship scheme, Nathan Taylor, has successfully completed his apprenticeship and launches his own installations business on 1st August 2021.
We recently caught up with Nathan to find out more about his apprenticeship, how it’s benefited him and how he feels about setting out on his own. If you’re thinking about a profession that will enable you to set up your own business, with the backing of a nationwide company like Wickes, then read Nathan’s story below and find out how this could be the right apprenticeship for you.
Can you give us an overview of the apprenticeship and your experience at Wickes?
I started doing carpentry and kitchen installation working for a Wickes approved installer and it was then that I found out about the new Wickes Installer Apprenticeship pilot. My boss encouraged me to enroll on it and two years later I’m now graduating with my apprenticeship as a fully qualified Wickes approved installer.
The Installer Apprenticeship is a Level 2 in ‘fitted furniture’ and is an 18 month course (although I did the pilot course which lasted two years). There were seven other apprentices on the programme with me. 80% of our time was spent on-site with our respective installers whilst for the other 20% we were all together in Nottingham at the WEBS training centre for formal training delivered across ten block weeks. This is when we focused on learning the technical aspects of fitting a kitchen, tiling and flooring as well as electrical and plumbing awareness training. We also learnt about customer service skills and setting up your own business as part of the course work.
Why did you choose the Wickes Installer Apprenticeship?
I was already working for an installer and I really enjoyed my work as I got to see lots of new places, work in different environments and everyday there was something different and interesting to do. So I knew I wanted to build a career as an installer and when I found out about the Wickes apprenticeship it seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn the trade within a reputable national business and gain a qualification at the same time.
What have you most enjoyed about the Wickes Installer Apprenticeship?
It’s a very thorough programme and what I really liked about it was the variety and the fact that you get to use what you’ve learnt in the classroom in your day job. You get the chance to learn about all the different aspects of furniture fitting from how to fit worktops, to controlling a tool correctly to learning how to deliver great customer service and so much more.
I also really enjoyed meeting people from all over the country who were on the same course as me. We spent ten weeks together during the two years at the training centre in Nottingham and had the chance to build some great friendships. There was a really good team spirit and we all learnt from one another.
How did the course prepare you for running your own business?
I feel that the course has given me good insight into setting up as an installer on my own. As apprentices we would see a job through from start to finish, so we would be there for the ripping out of a kitchen or bathroom and see how it transforms into a fully fitted room that the customer can then use. This involves a lot of interaction with the customer and with other trades, such as electricians and plumbers so it prepares you well.
Are you nervous about setting out on your own?
Yes I’m really nervous but excited at the same time. I’ve always had someone else to fall back on but getting over that hurdle is all about having the confidence that you’ve been well trained and that you know what to do.
As a Wickes approved installer I’ll be doing 2 to 3 jobs a month for Wickes, so that provides me with the security of a pipeline of work, which is very reassuring as a new business.
What do you have in mind for your future career?
Eventually, I’d like to get into doing extensions but for now I’m focused on fitting furniture and doing a great job for my new customers. Within a year I’m looking at taking an electrical course so I can then use this qualification when I’m installing a Wickes kitchen and be able to sign off the electrical certifications.
I plan to always stay as a Wickes approved installer as they’ve been so good to me and they offer so many opportunities across their installations services.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about a career as an installer?
Go for it! It can be a lifetime career and there are so many opportunities once you’ve established yourself. When you consider that the average age of an installer is around 55 years old, the demand for new kitchens and bathrooms keep growing and you can earn anything between £40,000-£70,000 a year, this is a profession that is crying out for new talent and offers a tremendous opportunity for people that have the skills and qualifications to build a great career.
