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As part of our celebrations for International Youth Day, we’ve been collecting stories from some of our colleagues. We’ve been asking them to share their journey so far, highlighting what has inspired them and what they’ve learned along the way. Recently, Rhiannon Andrews, Store Manager from Fort William, shared her story with us.

Hello Rhiannon, tell us about your time here at Toolstation.
I joined the business at 18 as a 20-hour Sales Assistant in the Inverness store while I was studying at college. Due to personal circumstances, I left college and took on a full-time supervisor role. I was a supervisor for around a year and a half when a vacancy came up for a store manager in the new store that was opening in Fort William. I moved there in 2023 and have been there since. At the end of this year, I will have been with Toolstation for six years!

How has Toolstation helped you grow or build your career?
I completed the Level 4 Management Apprenticeship, which has allowed me to start a business degree in my second year. I have found that a lot of the work I do on a daily basis is relevant to my studies, and I can speak from experience when completing my coursework. Toolstation has given me a range of interchangeable skills that will help me throughout my entire career.

Have you had a mentor or someone who’s helped you along the way?
My manager when I worked in the Inverness store, David Bradley, who is now the manager of the Taunton store. He encouraged me to pursue every available opportunity and shared his motivation with me when I lacked it. He was always there to offer advice and support, whether at work or not, and I don’t know where I would be now without him. He is the type of manager/person I aspire to be like.

What advice would you give to other young people who have recently joined the business?
Toolstation is an excellent business to get started with as they value the progression of their existing colleagues over external hiring. If you put the work in and commit to your own success, then Toolstation will invest in you. The apprenticeship programmes are definitely worthwhile looking into.

Start your own journey
Rhiannon has clearly found her place within Toolstation. Why not take a look at the wide range of opportunities that we have to offer? Take a look at our latest vacancies or sign up for job alerts by email.