Julie Johnson, Branch Administrator

Julie Johnson’s apprenticeship journey completing a Level 3 Business Administration course highlights that it’s never too late to learn new skills. 

Julie, who completed her apprenticeship at 59, found it to be immensely rewarding. "My favourite thing has been learning new skills, feeling more involved with my role and being able to make a difference. It’s boosted my confidence and shown me that age is no barrier to personal growth.”

Julie also spoke about the mental and emotional benefits of her apprenticeship; “Learning new skills has been great for my mental health and preserving quality of life. It’s been a mental exercise that has boosted my memory retention, communication skills, and self-esteem. The support I’ve received from my line manager, branch manager, and colleagues has been fantastic.”

Harrison Chadwick, Branch Apprentice

Harrison Chadwick’s journey at Keyline Rotherham began with a Level 2 trade supplier apprenticeship. For Harrison, the competitive wage of a Keyline apprenticeship made it a viable pathway, and he particularly valued the on-the-job learning aspect.

Harrison was supported by the team at Rotherham, and remarked on the invaluable guidance provided by his line manager, Glen, Scott Abramski, and his apprenticeship coach, Michael McGurn. He commented on the range of roles on offer; “The broad nature of the apprenticeship allowed me to explore various roles within the company. I transitioned from working in the yard to a sales role in the office, where I manage client accounts and foster relationships. This experience has been instrumental in helping me grow professionally and build a deeper understanding of the company.”

When asked for advice, Harrison encouraged future apprentices to do their research. “It’s a big commitment. Talk to people in the company who have undertaken apprenticeships. Starting without knowing what you’re getting into can feel overwhelming, so preparation is key.”

Owen Sutton, Branch Sales Assistant

Owen Sutton completed a Level 2 trade supply apprenticeship at Keyline Braintree, earning a distinction in April 2024. Owen’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed; he was nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the BMJ Industry Awards after winning the same accolade from the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants in March of 2024.

Reflecting on his apprenticeship, Owen shared, “I learned about all aspects of the business, from transport and yard operations to the construction industry as a whole. I mostly focused on sales, which is my role – and I was doing this every day. I’ve grown so much in confidence and even led the training of a new apprentice. It’s made me realise how far I’ve come and how much trust the company places in me.”

Owen has recently been promoted to Branch Sales Manager at Braintree, demonstrating the clear career pathways and opportunities to grow provided by apprenticeships.

Lukasz Kolasinski, Branch Sales Manager

When Lukasz Kolasinski completed his Level 4 Work winning sales apprenticeship in 2023, he was a Customer Sales Assistant – he has since become Branch Sales Manager at Milton Keynes, highlighting the value and career opportunities presented by the scheme.

Lukasz's journey began with a recommendation from his manager to join a LEAP apprenticeship programme. He embraced the opportunity to take on new challenges and develop his skills, including time management and proficiency with Keyline’s Sales Hub system.

“The apprenticeship gave me confidence and taught me modern learning techniques,” Lukasz said. “I’ve even achieved a 100 percent pass mark on my maths exam, which was one of my proudest moments. The programme set me up for success by improving my ability to coordinate projects, manage my daily schedule, and efficiently support my branch’s productivity.”

Lukasz also noted his desire to continue learning and pursue further qualifications. His advice to others interested in an apprenticeship is simple: “Really give it some thought and embrace the opportunity if it comes your way.”

Daniel Wheatley, National Sales Negotiator

From knowing nothing about civils and construction to becoming a National Sales Negotiator for Keyline: Daniel Wheatley has made impressive progress in his career since completing the Keyline Level 2: Trusted Civils Expert apprenticeship and Level 3: Team Leader apprenticeship.

Dan spoke to us shortly after completing his apprenticeship in 2023. He viewed an apprenticeship as an exciting chance to take on something new and found the learning environment supportive and welcoming; “No one is too big for the course; it’s a friendly space to learn. Every webinar felt like a safe environment to ask questions and grow.”

Reflecting on his progress, Daniel shared, “The exposure I’ve had to suppliers and factory visits has been invaluable. I’ve gone from knowing nothing about the civil construction industry to making recommendations to customers. The apprenticeship has given me a solid foundation for understanding the business and given me clear guidance for what I want to achieve in my career.”

Dan encourages anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the leap. “You won’t regret it. There’s a wealth of support from past and present learners, and it will give you the confidence to better yourself.”

Take the LEAP with Keyline

Our brilliant apprentices represent the future of Keyline – we hope you found their stories of growth and development as inspiring as we do! From building confidence and gaining qualifications to exploring new roles and embracing lifelong learning, our apprenticeships are much more than a stepping stone – they’re the foundation for a fulfilling career.

We hope to inspire the next generation to start their careers through the apprenticeship programmes we offer internally, and via the BMF.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fresh challenge, there’s a place for you at Keyline. Why not take the first step towards your own success story?

Explore our apprenticeships today.