How can a market leader turn an internal development program into a solution for an entire industry?
The UK building sector has faced a growing skills shortage driven by an aging workforce, limited diversity, reduced access to European talent, and low awareness of career opportunities among people entering or reskilling for the workforce.
Travis Perkins had already developed a successful internal apprenticeship program, with Insights Discovery playing an important role since 2018. During the pandemic, the organization recognized that this proven program could create far greater value if it were opened to competitors and industry partners.
In 2021, Travis Perkins made the bold decision to move from training only its own employees to delivering apprenticeships across the wider sector.
This case study was created by Insights, DEVELOR’s strategic partner.
The joint journey included:
- Embedding Insights Discovery into the Travis Perkins apprenticeship program
- Introducing apprentices to behavioral preferences and self-awareness early in their development
- Using personal profiles to strengthen communication, empathy, and adaptability
- Tailoring profile content to different apprenticeship levels and career streams
- Supporting future managers in understanding their leadership and motivational preferences
- Applying the Insights Sales Solution within sales-focused apprenticeship pathways
- Returning to the profiles throughout the program, as apprentices faced more complex situations
- Transitioning the program from an internal employee model to an industry-wide provider
- Inviting competitors and sector partners to collaborate on attracting, training, and retaining talent
- Creating opportunities for people entering the workforce or reskilling into the building sector
The results:
- Apprenticeships delivered to employees across more than 20 organizations
- Selection by the Builders Merchants Federation to support its member organizations
- 25% of enrolled apprentices joining through companies outside Travis Perkins
- 65% of recruits entering through the UK government’s Kickstart programme choosing to remain in the sector
- 40% of new recruits are female in an industry where the wider workforce is predominantly male
- The majority of new recruits are under the age of 25
- 85% of apprentices are achieving a merit or distinction in their specialism
- Third-place ranking nationally for construction, property, and real estate apprenticeships
- Recognition in the UK Department for Education’s top 100 apprenticeship employers
- Greater self-awareness, communication, and adaptability among apprentices
“We’re massive fans of Insights. It is, I think, the reason our programmes have been successful over time. Insights Discovery has been a really pivotal part of that because it’s so effective.”
— Andy Ranyer, Head of Apprenticeships, Travis Perkins
Why download this case study?
- To see how a successful internal program can be scaled for industry-wide impact
- To explore how competitors can collaborate around a shared workforce challenge
- To understand how self-awareness can support apprentice completion and performance
- To learn how behavioral development can strengthen diversity and inclusion
- To discover how apprentices can build communication, leadership, and sales capabilities
- To gain inspiration for connecting people development with long-term workforce strategy
Who is this case study for?
- HR and L&D leaders responsible for apprenticeship and early-career programs
- Organizations facing sector-wide skills shortages
- Leaders exploring collaborative solutions with competitors and industry partners
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging professionals
- Talent development teams are working to attract and retain younger employees
- Businesses looking to embed behavioral development into vocational learning
Download the full case study to discover how Travis Perkins used Insights Discovery as the “red thread” connecting an apprenticeship program designed to strengthen talent, inclusion, and the future of the UK building sector.