Travis Perkins has taken over the Silverstone F1 pits from 28 until 30 November, 2017, to train up its apprentices.

In a three-day ‘Apprenticeships Skills to Service Challenge’, more than 135 Travis Perkins apprentices will use the F1 pits at Silverstone, the home of the British F1 and MotoGP Grands Prix, to complete in a series of practical business simulations. These simulations, which are being run in conjunction with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), will see the apprentices tested on their technical knowledge, customer handling ability, and sales skills.

Mock Travis Perkins branches and technical building environments will be set up within the pits. The apprentices, assuming the role of tradespeople, will then use these branches and technical areas to source all the materials needed to complete specific tasks set to them by mock customers. The completed jobs will then be assessed and all apprentices will be tasked with assessing their projects and discussing how the processes they employed could be improved.

Louise Powell, Head of Education and Learning at Travis Perkins, said: “We are extremely proud of our apprenticeship training initiatives. At Travis Perkins, we truly believe that ‘customer world’ practical simulations help our apprentices to increase their knowledge and skills in a safe and controlled environment. I must also say that having the chance to hold this exercise at the Silverstone F1 pits is a unique opportunity and gives our apprentices the perfect setting – that champions precision, attention to detail and efficiency – to learn in.”

John Stephenson, the BMF's Regional Manager for the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands, said: “The BMF actively promotes merchanting as an excellent career choice for young people, but one that is often overlooked in our digital age. Travis Perkins sets a great example, both in the number of apprentices it employs, and in its innovative approaches to training. We are delighted to support the Apprenticeships Skills to Service Challenge. Not only is it a fantastic way for apprentices to demonstrate their skills and develop team working, it also showcases the breadth of career opportunities available within our industry.”

Travis Perkins currently has 230 apprentices across its business, and the company is extremely proud to have been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service for the past two years. Apprenticeships are extremely important to the business and through the first-class training and learning and development programmes on offer, apprentices across Travis Perkins can launch successful and fulfilling careers.