Students have also been invited into its branches to learn more about how a builders' merchant operates and the relationship it has with tradespeople.

Each college has received £3,000 worth of materials and its students are currently undertaking at least three visits to their local Selco branches.

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 our long-term strategy.

Enda Mulloy, deputy head of construction at West London College, said: “The Selco partnership is proving a fantastic initiative and an invaluable experience for our 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 good stead.”

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're 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.”