Robert Halfon MP visits Screwfix store in Harlow

Screwfix welcomed Robert Halfon MP for Harlow, Essex, to its Harlow store to meet with colleagues on the retailer’s successful Apprenticeship programme. 

On Friday 3rd November, Robert Halfon MP was hosted by the store team and Screwfix HR Director, Liz Bell. Robert Halfon MP had the opportunity to learn about the business and Screwfix’s commitment in supporting colleagues’ development through its apprenticeship programme. 

They also met with a colleague who is currently on his apprenticeship program and customers in store, highlighting the importance and benefits of a career in the trade. 

Speaking about his visit, Robert Halfon MP said: “I was delighted to visit Screwfix last week, it was great to not only tour the site and sign up as a customer but also to meet their incredible Level 3 Apprentice, Sam, who was training to become an Assistant Manager. As Harlow’s MP, I am proud to represent one of the best, biggest and oldest Screwfix branches in the country, which is helping the local and national economy by employing 16 residents and creating £4 million in revenue every year.” 

Liz Bell, Screwfix HR Director, commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome Robert Halfon MP to our Harlow store and share some of the stories of our apprenticeship programme. At Screwfix, we want our colleagues reach their potential and our programme is vital to that.” 

Internally, Screwfix colleagues’ growth is a priority. More than 600 apprentices are currently training across the business in areas such as Retail Management, HR, Finance, Data and Legal, and over 85% of Screwfix’s apprentices who complete the programmes are promoted. 

Screwfix was included in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2023, the annual accolade compiled by the Department for Education that celebrates England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers.  

Screwfix was recognised for its commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.   

Staff from Harlow store – located in Ascent Park, Edinburgh Way, CM20 2HW – can participate in the retailer’s apprenticeship scheme, joining 5 colleagues in the area. 

Screwfix is also committed the future of the Trade industry through its Trade Apprentice competition and its partnership with TrAC, the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship agency. A recent Kingfisher study shows a national shortage of tradespeople is set to cost the UK £98bn in missed economic growth by 2030. 

The Harlow store is part of the company’s growing network of over 870 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with 80 new stores set to open by January 2023.Visit Screwfix’s Harlow store, open 7 days a week from 7am from Monday to Saturday.