Last month, we welcomed Ted, a 15-year-old student from Wyedean School, to Cymru Kitchens for a week of work experience.
Supporting young people as they begin to explore the world of work is one way we can contribute to the communities we serve. It also gives us an opportunity to share the breadth of skills involved in creating a bespoke kitchen, from the earliest design conversations to making, fitting and completing the finished space.
During his week with us, Ted spent time across the business, gaining an insight into design, production, installation, marketing and administration. He also saw how every member of the team contributes to delivering a successful project.
From Design to Delivery
A beautifully finished kitchen is the result of many different skills, processes and people working together. Ted’s placement allowed him to follow that journey and experience several aspects of the business first-hand.
In the workshop, he learned about the materials and craftsmanship involved in making cabinetry and helped with practical tasks such as sanding. He also joined the team during a delivery, seeing how carefully a client’s home is protected before units are brought inside and gaining an appreciation for the planning involved at every stage.
Alongside these practical experiences, Ted was introduced to the technical side of kitchen design. He explored how our designers use specialist software to turn initial ideas into detailed visual representations, helping clients understand how their finished kitchen will look and feel before work begins.
Reflecting on what he learned about this part of the process, Ted explained:
“I learned how different software systems allow a customer to visualise their initial design and feel confident in what they are investing in.”
Understanding the Complete Customer Journey
Ted also accompanied members of the team on visits to clients’ homes. These included seeing the finished result of a recently completed kitchen and visiting a returning client who contacted Cymru Kitchens for some additional work, eleven years after their original installation.
These visits offered an insight into the importance of building lasting relationships with clients. Our responsibility does not simply end when a kitchen is fitted; attentive service and long-term care are equally important parts of the Cymru Kitchens experience.
Back at the office, Ted learned more about the administrative, sales and marketing work that supports each project. Seeing the full range of roles gave him a clearer understanding of how a business operates and how people with different skills work towards a shared result.
The Strength of an In-House Team
Reflecting on his week with Cymru Kitchens, Ted said that the element that stood out most was the way our team works together and the positive atmosphere this creates:
“What stands out to me is how well the team works together and how they create such a positive working environment.”
Ted also commented on the breadth of expertise within the company. From design and cabinetmaking to installation, sales and marketing, every stage is handled by people who understand Cymru Kitchens and share the same commitment to quality.
Describing our in-house approach, Ted said:
“The fact that everything is done in-house is impressive to me, as it makes the company different from others.”
It was great to hear that Ted noticed not only the quality and range of work being carried out, but also the supportive environment created by the people behind it.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Work experience gives young people access to knowledge and experiences that are difficult to recreate in a classroom. It introduces them to potential careers, helps build confidence and reveals just how many different roles and skills exist within one business.
For us, it is also a valuable opportunity to encourage a new generation to appreciate design, craftsmanship and the satisfaction of making something built to last. Practical and creative skills remain central to our industry, and their future depends on young people being able to see where those skills might take them.
Summing up the value of his placement, Ted said:
“I was able to help with and observe a variety of tasks that I wouldn’t have experienced at school or in my daily life.”
We thoroughly enjoyed having Ted with us and sharing a little of life at Cymru Kitchens. We hope his week provided a useful and inspiring introduction to the working world, and perhaps even planted the seed for a future career in design, craftsmanship or business.
