B&Q notches up gender milestone with women leading its apprenticeship program

Retailer reports women now make up 56 percent of apprentices following its latest graduation ceremony.

B&Q says women now account for 56 percent of its apprenticeship program for the first time. The announcement came during the retailer’s annual apprenticeship graduation, held in Southampton this week.

The company highlighted the success of its Women in Leadership apprenticeship, designed to help women progress into management roles by addressing workplace issues often overlooked in traditional leadership training, such as menopause and fertility.

Angela Peel, Curriculum Council member and Unit Manager at B&Q, says: “When updating B&Q’s Women in Leadership apprenticeship, we wanted to truly reflect the experiences of women. By building real-life issues – like menopause – into the heart of the programme, we created space for women to connect, share, and grow together.”

Peel is part of B&Q’s Women in Leadership Curriculum Council, which built the program to support female employees in navigating career development within the business.

Expanding apprenticeship opportunities

More than 300 colleagues were recognized at the two-day event, which celebrated apprentices across all departments, including those from the Women in Leadership program. Since launching its apprenticeship offering, B&Q says more than 2,500 employees have completed or are currently undertaking an apprenticeship, with another 400 set to begin next year.

Katie Bauman, Graduate Apprentice and Unit Manager at B&Q, says: “In the past, some leadership content didn’t quite speak to women’s experiences – especially in male-dominated areas where imposter syndrome can be a real challenge. What makes this apprenticeship different is how openly it tackles these barriers – it’s about helping women be at their best, while recognising that our journeys can be different.”

B&Q currently offers more than 40 apprenticeship routes, ranging from levels 2 to 7. The company says its programs are open to all colleagues, regardless of age, background, or location.

This year’s ceremony was co-hosted by Retail, Property and Technology Director Paddy Earnshaw and People Director Andy Moat at B&Q House, with Olympic ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards appearing as guest speaker.

Andy Moat, People Director at B&Q, says: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the skills and confidence of our colleagues across the business. We’re incredibly proud to see so many people graduating and taking the next step in their careers and even prouder that our programmes reflect the diversity, talent, and ambition of our teams. We’re particularly proud of the opportunity’s apprenticeships, like the Women in Leadership apprenticeship, creates to help us reach gender parity across all work levels. Supporting colleagues to grow and reach their potential is at the heart of what we do at B&Q.”