The local MP will be taken on a tour of the store by general manager, Mike Greenwood. During the walkabout, Mr Brennan will learn more about the skills and training initiatives that are in place to help staff reach their full potential and allow customers to improve their DIY skills and knowledge. 

With over 330 stores nationwide, B&Q has a wealth of opportunities for careers in retail and offers all employees staff training, including a Fast Track scheme and an ‘earn as you learn’ scheme to encourage development. The Fast Track programme allows staff on the shop floor to progress to store or regional management and every member of staff has a personal development plan to encourage their learning.

Mr Brennan will also hear about the e-learning modules available within the B&Q university programme, which allows staff to work at their own speed and earn incremental rises in salary. B&Q has introduced 19 modules over the last two and half years and more are planned. So far in 2004, one million hours of training have been dedicated to B&Q staff, through workshops, in-store sessions and e-learning modules.

Customers are also given the opportunity to learn through B&Q’s free, daily demonstrations which offer advice and guidance on tackling DIY projects such as laying laminate flooring, or basic plumbing techniques. These are run by in-store experts who can also offer homeowners advice on securing their properties and making them more energy efficient.

Kevin Brennan MP comments: “I am very pleased that B&Q have staff training as a top priority.  Continuing economic success depends on a well trained workforce, and programmes like these at B&Q are good for employees, the company and the local economy alike. “ 

Mike Greenwood, general manager at B&Q Warehouse, Cardiff Culverhouse, comments: “We are thrilled that Mr Brennan can come to the store and hear about the policies and initiatives in place at B&Q. We believe that the training empowers staff to help customers with enquiries, as well as to further their own potential.”