Running over 18 months, the course provides students with key skills. Once complete, they receive a Level 2 Fitted Furniture accreditation with the opportunity to set up their own business and become an approved Wickes bathroom installer.

With the first set of bathroom graduates set to complete the course in January 2025, keen applicants can find out more and register their interest via the Wickes Careers website, providing they have a full driving licence and access to a car.

Available in varying locations across England, students will work Monday-Friday, learning in real-life situations with a Wickes Approved Installer.

Teaching a wide range of essential skills, from plumbing and tiling to shower and bath installation, students will produce a portfolio and attend in-house training to help them set up their own business once the programme is completed.

Alongside the hands-on experience, apprentices will have access to a wide range of resources, including a training provider, a skills college and product suppliers, who can provide additional training.

The bathroom installation scheme follows the success of Wickes’ kitchen installation apprenticeship with the very first graduate, Nathan Taylor, now running his own business.

“The programme teaches you all the transferable skills needed in your career. Participants are offered the chance to learn about all the different aspects of furniture fitting, from how to fit worktops, to controlling a tool correctly, to learning how to deliver excellent customer service, and so much more.

“As part of the programme, I got the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and, with seven weeks together at the training centre in Nottingham, we had the chance to build some great friendships.”