Ayden's Story: From Trainee to Senior Installer

We often talk about how 90% of our Installers are directly employed by us and how important that is to our business.

Many of our installers start with us as trainees and work their way up, learning the Kaboodle way along the way. With that in mind, we wanted to take a moment to talk to one of our Senior Installers about their Career Journey with Kaboodle and what working for us means to them.

We spoke to Kaboodle Senior Installer (Gas Qualified) Ayden Chenoweth about this time at Kaboodle, since joining as a Trainee Installer just five years ago.

What was your first job at Kaboodle?

I started with Kaboodle as a Trainee Installer in January 2020.

What helped you learn the most when you first started?

The three lead installers I was working with helped me most when I first started. First of all Ryan took me out on site and showed me how to fit a fridge freezer and hood. Then Jake taught me all about the electrical side of the job and finally Micah taught me all about gas.

How has your role evolved since you first started?

My role has evolved a lot. Within the first year or so I did some delivery routes and then worked up to simple electrical jobs. Then I had a week’s training at our Stevenage depot. When I got back, I was fully leading electrical routes. Then I moved onto my gas course and nine months later on to my LPG course.

How did Kaboodle facilitate your learning and development?

Kaboodle gave me the opportunity to go out with other lead installers, who all knew a great amount. I also had people who were just a phone call away, who were able to help me any time I needed them to.

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome them?

There have been loads of challenges along the way. It’s always scary going out and doing your first job on your own with your helper. But soon enough, it becomes second nature. You overcome them the same way each time. You always find a way and, if you can’t figure it out, there’s always someone who has done it before, so you just give them a quick call.

What’s something you’re proud of learning?

I’m proud of learning both Gas and LPG. When you first go on the course, you do doubt yourself a bit. But by the end, you’re absolutely fine. And with all the experienced lads working for Kaboodle, you get to grips with everything pretty quickly.

How do you handle a task you’ve never done before?

It depends what it is. But normally I have a look at the manuals the night before to familiarise myself with the product. Then when I'm removing the old one, I make sure to take notes on how it’s fitted and nine times out of 10 it goes in the same.

What advice would you give someone new to the job?

Make sure you’re always watching and pick up bits from the lead installers you’re out with. When you do get the opportunity to start leading routes and are given more responsibility don’t panic or stress when you get a problem. There’s always someone who’s had that problem before. The big thing is, don’t rush things, because that’s when things can go wrong. As long as you fit everything like you would in your own house, then you’ll be sound.

Wise words from our Senior Installer, Ayden. Thanks for telling us your Kaboodle Career Story.

If you would like to work with our Premium Appliance Installation Service, contact the team today at sales@kaboodleit.com