"When I joined Toolstation, I was only looking for a part-time job while I was at college. I thought it would be a simple checkout job. But it’s much more than that. Checking aisles to make sure that they’re well stocked. Keeping the store tidy, checking the store, bringing deliveries in. Talking to customers.

Before I started, I knew nothing about tools. And I had no industry knowledge. But I’m learning as we go along. It’s a good working environment, very friendly and easy to settle in. Even if you have little or no experience, Toolstation will give you a chance."

I joined Toolstation in 2011 as a Store Assistant. Within a year, I became a Keyholder and then a Supervisor. A couple of years later, I got promoted to Assistant Store Manager. So, it’s easy to progress here as team and store managers will always work hard to develop and challenge you. I love everything about my role, the people, my team and my customers. We know our regular customers by name and we treat everyone like a family.

Toolstation is a successful and prestigious company that cares about its colleagues. I’ve always been treated well and fairly by senior colleagues, and they’ve always believed in me to get the job done. The company is expanding rapidly, so there are so many opportunities available. If anyone is looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career, then Toolstation is the place.

"I joined Toolstation in 2013 as a Supervisor in Weymouth. After going on the Retail Development Programme, I was promoted to Store Manager. Then I went on a secondment as a Regional Training Manager, training new store managers for 12 months, before going back to being a Store Manager.

Toolstation is really focused on its people. Each year there are new developments to support the people who serve their customers. I love being a manager - creating a team that has a family feel and a great work ethic. And having everyone believe in your vision. As a store manager, how could I ask for more? I can’t see myself working anywhere else - it’s a career, not a job."

"I really like the fact that Toolstation’s a customer service based firm. There’s a real difference in the interaction you have with the customers. There’s time to build relationships with them. To remember what they bought previously, the job they have on and to ensure they have the right tools for the job. There’s even time to share a brew with them.

There’s a real opportunity to grow here, with clear progression. So I know I have a clear career pathway. It’s an exciting time to be with the company. They’re getting the balance right - maximising all opportunities and sales, but without pressure selling to our customers."

"I joined Toolstation in September 2016 as a supervisor at the Weston-Super-Mare store. Then I moved to Bridgwater as Assistant Manager on the Retail Development Programme. It’s an excellent programme that gives you everything you need to run your store. After the RDP, I became Manager in Weston-Super-Mare.

When I joined, I had a five year plan. I’ve already achieved that, so now I have a new plan. And the growth and opportunities of the company mean the chances are there. Toolstation see the potential in you before you see it yourself. They’re the ones who push you and give you the confidence and opportunities to move forward."

"I joined Toolstation in 2011 as a Supervisor. And I was the first person to be inducted onto the Retail Development Programme. I was the guinea pig - and it’s been fantastic to see how the programme’s evolved. I’ve done a lot personally and professionally. I’ve worked at franchises in other stores, set up new stores and now run my own store.

My life’s changed, but Toolstation’s always looked after me. I’ve gone through a massive amount of development - more responsibility, more money, more people working for me. What you put in is what you get out here. If you work hard and are capable, you’ll get the reward."

"As a Store Manager, I enjoy creating my own environment and my own team. I like to be a leader, teaching my team and seeing them grow. In an environment where other companies are closing stores, we’re opening them.

I love leading a small team and dealing with the same customers day in day out. You build a relationship with your customers - they aren’t strangers. In other retail businesses, you’d hardly ever see the same faces. Here, you can have a chat with the customers - it’s a very different relationship. It’s a fast-growing company, with a lot of opportunities."

"I joined Toolstation as an Assistant Manager because I was very interested in the counter store approach to retail - being in total control front of house and the back of the store too. Since 2018, I’ve been Manager of the Bournemouth store. Although I don’t like to be called a manager - I prefer leader. And I like to lead a team by example.

I love the people I work with. We treat each other like brothers and sisters. We talk, we share ideas, we’re always thinking of how we can make things better. I also love that my boss will listen to me and I’m able to speak freely. Things have changed because of things we’ve suggested."