National Apprenticeship Week 2025 – FR Scott

10 February 2025

It is National Apprenticeship Week 2025 – Lets chat to some current FR Scott colleagues working through apprenticeships….

FR Scott has always invested in people from our local community and has a long, positive track record of developing people through apprenticeships

Many of which have gone on to having successful careers within our business or used the skills learnt at FR Scott to forge a career in other areas.

We sat down with three current colleagues going through very different apprenticeship programmes to find out more about how it is going and how it is helping them in their role.

Meet Greg Johnson – a Sales Support colleague in our Sales team, Jamie Shepherd – an Assistant Buyer in our Procurement team and Garav Singh – a Trainee Electrician in our Electrical Controls team.

What is your apprenticeship in?

(GS) My apprenticeship is in Electrical Controls.

(GJ) I am currently working through a Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship alongside my normal Sales Support Role

(JS) My apprenticeship is in Charter in Procurement and Supply – also known as CIPS

 

How did you get into your apprenticeship?

 

(GS) I was looking for an electrical apprenticeship and I got in to FR Scott through a reference from my college.

(GJ) I was already working in a Sales Support role within our busy sales office. With aspirations to progress into an Account Manager role,  The company proposed the apprenticeship programme to enhance my personal development and help me towards my goal. So I decided to give it a go.

(JS) I’d always wanted to do CIPS, and at a previous employer I’d been knocked back from doing the course. Since joining FR Scott as an Assistant Buyer they were happy for me to go on the course and develop my purchasing knowledge.

 

What skills have you gained or developed over the course of your apprenticeship?

(GS) I have learnt how to build control panels, with an understanding of how they work. I’ve also leant a lot more about heating systems

(GJ) A lot of the course is building on existing knowledge though I’ve developed my negotiating skills and my ability to manage a sales pipeline. This has helped me achieve my sales targets consistently.

It has strengthened my communication skills and deepened my commercial awareness allowing me to effectively support the wider business.

(JS) I have learned about best practices in purchasing, including processes and procedures within the procurement cycle. This has enabled me to be more efficient when purchasing products for both stock and specific customers.

 

What does a typical day at FR Scott look like for you?

(GS) It is a mix of building panels in our workshop or out on site fault finding, it is pretty much dependant on what customers needs are. Recently I’ve been replacing relays, adjusting timeclocks and replacing stats.

(GJ) I’m in the office dealing with inbound sales queries both on the phone and over email so a large part of my job is reactive. These can come from FR Scott account customers locally along with businesses and the public from across the UK via our Fix and Fast website.
I also have a number of customer accounts that I look after so will spend time reviewing their performance, what fixings they are using and not using etc and follow up with them over the phone.

(JS) I start my day looking at back orders – getting them in to fulfil existing customer orders. The rest of the day is looking a product ranges and stock levels Vs forecasted sales. There is lot of negotiating to do. I’ll get on the phone and speak to suppliers trying to secure the best value possible for FR Scott and our customers.

 

How have FR Scott supported you in your apprenticeship so far?

(GS) FR Scott have supported me a lot through my apprenticeship a lot so far. With clear direction and training from people in my team and feedback on how I’m doing.

The management is very good and I have been welcomed by everyone in the business, not just the team in the Heating department.

(GJ) I’ve had exceptional support whilst on the programme, the business has given me the resources and guidance needed to succeed. Regular feedback sessions with my manager has helped me track progress and identify areas for improvement.

(JS) Despite my role being full on, I have always been given the time needed to complete my studies each week. Whenever I need support with specific tasks within the CIPS programme the colleagues in my team are on hand, and happy to share their experience.

 

Advice for Anyone Thinking of Joining an Apprenticeship Program

(GS) Go for it! It is very rewarding and puts you on the right path to a job at the end of it. Take your time when you start and don’t expect too much of yourself early in the course. Your development comes over time and with more experience.

(GJ) Before starting take time to research the course and its content. Make sure it is right for you and your career goals. Approach it with a positive mindset, at times it can feel like a long and challenging journey but the reward is worth the effort. For me my biggest tip is staying organised and managing time correctly.

(JS) Take it! If the opportunity comes along grasp it. Additional qualifications always look good on your CV but apprentices programmes actually help you in your day to day role. Learning on the job with real life examples always helps.

About FR Scott

FR Scott are Hulls largest independent supplier of fixings, fasteners, tools and ironmongery. Serving public and businesses both locally and nationally since 1945.

With a huge range of products all held on stock at our 30,000 square foot warehouse.

All available for same day local delivery and next day national delivery. Trade credit accounts with up to 60 days to pay are also available.

Our Commercial Heating, Plumbing and Electrical Controls team can support with any breakdowns along with new installation projects.

Partnering with FR Scott as a supplier can save your business Time, Effort and Money

Contact the team on 01482 324731 or email sales@frscott.co.uk to open an account