Life as a Bagnalls Management Trainee: Jack R & Jack S
30 September 2026
Recently, we sat down with Olivia and Aden from our Trainee Management programme to find out more about their experience at Bagnalls. Now, it’s the turn of the two Jacks!
Jack R and Jack S are also completing traineeships, developing the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality painting and decorating projects, build strong customer relationships and progress within the family business.
Through our programme, both have gained a broad range of experience, from preparing accurate quotations and understanding the complexities of contracts management to learning the importance of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ). These experiences help ensure that we continue to deliver the high standards of customer service Bagnalls is known for.
The Trainee Management programme also provides clear opportunities for career progression, with trainees developing the foundations needed to progress into a variety of roles across the business, such as Contracts Manager and Project Manager.
Jack R is completing his traineeship from our National Painting Division (NPD) office and Jack S is based at our North branch in Cleckheaton. We had a lovely chat with the two of them about their time at Bagnalls so far and how they see their future careers developing.
How are you enjoying your experience at Bagnalls so far?
Jack R: “It has exceeded my expectations. Every week in the office is different; one day I will be out on site and the next I’m working through estimating or getting stuck into quoting jobs. Coming from an office- based role, being part of a company where you can see the finished product is brilliant.”
Jack S: “I’m really enjoying it! I believe Bagnalls is a great place to start your career, as you have a great level of exposure to different kinds of work and people. A great example is The Painting and Decorating Show. As a trainee, the show gave me a further insight into the industry, as well as the opportunity to meet other Management Trainees from across the country.
“The Painting and Decorating show was really insightful and helped to improve my knowledge of different painting techniques and equipment used within the industry. It was also a great opportunity to meet people from different Bagnalls branches, including other first-year Management Trainees, as well as Phil, Kirsty and Guy, who will be helping me throughout my traineeship.”
What made you want to complete a Management Traineeship at Bagnalls?
Jack R: “I wanted to build a career in the trades industry and Bagnalls stood out because of its history: 150 years and still family-owned says a lot. The traineeship gives you real responsibility early, rather than just making you watch from the sidelines – that responsibility is exactly what I was after.”
Jack S: “A huge part of me wanting to join the Management Trainee scheme was the in-house programme, which continuously supports and assesses trainees on their knowledge and experiences. This is broken down into six-month reviews, during which you complete an assessment to identify areas of improvement and ensure you are on the right path in your learning journey.”
What was it like attending a site for the first time?
Jack R: “Eye-opening – a brilliant experience! It’s great to see the wider industry, meet suppliers and understand the products and innovations behind what we do day to day.”
Jack S: “Visiting sites has been really insightful and has given me the chance to gather a wider understanding of painting and decorating as a whole. I have also been able to spend a few days decorating out on site, which has developed both my understanding of projects and my relationship with our operatives.”
Have you felt supported during your time at Bagnalls?
Jack R: “Everyone, from the branch team to the painters on site, has taken the time to explain things properly and answer my many questions. Joe Brett, the NPD Manager, has helped me the most. He gives me real work and trusts me with it, but he’s always there when I need guidance.”
Jack S: “I have felt supported at Bagnalls from the very start. This support began during the interview stage, with an in-person interview from the office in which I now work. I also attended a welcome day the week before I started, which gave me a chance to meet everyone and have a walk around, making my first day a lot easier and more enjoyable.”
How do you feel about the future of your career?
Jack R: “Really excited. I can see a clear path here and I’m building my skills in quoting, project management, site experience and more. This is setting me up for long term success! I will also be completing my Level 4 Project Management qualification alongside my role.”
Jack S: “I feel really positive about my future at Bagnalls. The Management Trainee programme itself is proof that the support is always there and that everyone wants you to do well.”
What have you enjoyed most about your traineeship so far?
Jack R: “The variety of work and the fact I’m trusted to get involved rather than just observe. Getting hand-on with quotes and pricing – seeing how a job goes from being priced through to final decorating – is great.”
Jack S: “The balance between site and office work. As a Management Trainee, I get to see the decorating that is completed by our operatives, as I attend site visits throughout the duration of projects. This also includes the measuring of jobs pre-construction, where the materials and labour needed must be identified, as well as any potential hazards or complications.”
If you would like to find out more about our Management Trainee programme, get in touch via our online form today or speak directly to one of the team on 01274 714 800.