Meet Charlotte Keenan: Management Trainee
10 April 2025
Charlotte began her career with Bagnalls as a Contract Coordinator, before joining our Management Trainee Programme. We caught up with her a year into her journey to ask how she’s getting on.
What first attracted you to Bagnalls?
I liked the core values that Bagnalls stands for: safety, integrity, respect and people. Since joining the company, I feel a real sense of togetherness and understanding that this is a family business. I also know that I am seen as an individual, rather than just a number.
What is your favourite part of your current role?
I love the diversity of tasks that I get to do and the range of customers that I work with. No two days are the same – from railways and stations to office redecoration projects and more. I really enjoy speaking and interacting with my branch colleagues across the country, going to sites and meeting customers face to face.
What is your biggest achievement at Bagnalls?
I am only in my first year of the Bagnalls Management Trainee Programme, but I am enjoying the course so far – it has given me confidence and brought me out of my comfort zone. I’m proud of the way in which my knowledge of the painting industry has developed over the past six months – I love working with customers and seeing my accounts grow.
How do you see your career at Bagnalls developing?
Although it’s early days, I want to complete the Management Trainee Programme and become a successful Project Manager! I look forward to getting involved in more site-based projects and seeing projects through to successful completion.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Make sure you communicate with customers and update them on their project. Don’t leave things to chance. Also – ask questions, don’t hesitate to seek the support of colleagues. I have found that all of my colleagues at Bagnalls are always willing to help.
What is your favourite part of the Management Trainee Programme?
I really enjoyed the recent Management Trainee Conference. It was really informative and great for building relationships with other colleagues. I appreciated learning about how other trainees are progressing in their careers, especially those who are in years two and three, with more responsibility on projects. Even though I was the only female on the course, I was made to feel very welcome and part of the team!
If you would like to kickstart your career in the painting and decorating industry, join our Management Trainee Programme today and become a part of the Bagnalls family.