THE TRADESPEOPLE of the future are being backed by one of the UK’s leading builders merchants in an exciting colleges partnership.
Selco Builders Warehouse has donated thousands of pounds worth of materials to college students carrying out trade and construction courses around the country.
Students have also been invited into Selco branches to learn more about how a builders merchant operates and the relationship it has with tradespeople.
West London College, Leeds College of Building, Exeter College, Bournemouth and Poole College and Birmingham Metropolitan College are amongst the education establishments partnering with Selco on the scheme.
Each college has received £3,000 worth of materials and its students are currently undertaking at least three visits to their local Selco branch.
In 2024, West London College will receive an additional £5,000 of materials to continue supporting its ‘Green Skills’ courses as part of its offering around sustainability, a key pillar of Selco’s long-term strategy.
Enda Mulloy, deputy head of construction at West London College, said: “The Selco partnership is proving a fantastic initiative and an absolutely invaluable experience for learners.
“A builders merchant plays such a significant role in the life of a tradesperson that introducing our learners to them so early in their careers will stand them in really good stead.
“The materials and tools that Selco has kindly donated have also been an incredible help. We want our learners to carry out as much practical work as possible but that comes at a significant cost which we wouldn’t be able to meet without donations such as the one Selco has made.
“We can’t thank Selco enough for the work it is doing with our college and others around the UK and the significant difference it is making to the future of the industry.”
Alison Wong, head of communications and sustainability at Selco, said: “We are committed to supporting tradespeople at every level so this is an extremely exciting project for us to be involved with.
“We are delighted to be playing a small part in the educational journey of the next generation of tradespeople, whether that be through the donation of materials and tools or the insight that our branch managers and teams are providing in how a builders merchant plays a vital part in the day-to-day life of tradespeople.
“We look forward to continuing supporting the learners heading into 2024.”
With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 75 UK branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.
As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver and Click & Collect services and a new app — as well as a ‘Dial & Deliver’ telephone service — to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople.
See page 2 of our February/March 2024 issue on our Back Issues page.
