Apprenticeships Work

Mark Worn, Factory Master

“Without my Apprenticeship, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” is the view of 49-year-old Mark Worn, originally from Eyres Monsell in Leicester.

After struggling to find employment upon leaving school with 35 rejections from companies in Leicester, he secured an Apprenticeship in 1976 with gear manufacturers Spencer Gears Ltd in conjunction with Charles Keene College – which became Leicester College after a merger in 1999.

It was this grounding that set him on a career path which would ultimately lead to a role as Senior Project Manager at Nuneaton-based FactoryMaster, a successful firm which provides the wholesale and manufacturing industries with software solutions.

“I was good academically at school, but, like many people, I was poor at exams, which left me with average grades,” said Mr Worn.

Mr Worn is convinced Apprenticeships are just as relevant to industry today, as it was when he started out three decades ago. He said: “Companies have to take a long-term view. As the people with grey hair retire, we’ll be left with a skills gap. Apprenticeships can ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Myles Ball and Steve Potter, Tower Tool Co Ltd

Apprentices are crucial to the success of Tower Tool Co Ltd. The Wigston-based company, which manufactures tools for the rubber industry, currently has three Leicester College apprentices, and two past apprentices, on its books.

Its Managing Director, Myles Ball, said: “Apprenticeships are fantastic for the company. It’s hard to recruit high-quality experienced engineers who have the specific skills the company requires, so we find it’s often preferable to employ young apprentices.

“We can train them specifically in our way of doing things, which is great for the company’s needs, and also helps them to fit in nicely. We find apprentices stay loyal to the company, almost without exception, as nearly all of them we have employed are still with us today. By using apprentices we are also, in conjunction with Leicester College, training young people to a high standard, which in turn, raises the skills bar of the local workforce.”

Senior toolmaker at Tower Tool, Steve Potter, underwent a four-year apprenticeship in mechanical engineering at Charles Keene College after leaving school as a 16 year old in 1997.

He said: “If I hadn’t taken the apprenticeship route I would be much worse off. It has given me the grounding I needed to allow me to progress to a senior position in the company. The current apprentices we have can look at me and realise that, with the skills they are learning, there is a real career progression within the firm.”

Hairs and Graces, Melton Mowbray

Hairs and Graces Salon, of Melton Mowbray, is a family-owned business with seven employees run by owner and Senior Stylist Phillipa Naylor.

Phillipa said: “I started as an Apprentice and trained with Leicester College and my boss at the time had also been an Apprentice, so I had a very clear idea of what to expect from the training. I found this an extremely useful route to take as I was able to gain valuable hands-on experience combined with essential people skills whilst working at the same time. This was by far the best route for me to have completed my training.

“I always aspired to own my own salon so when I started my own business five years ago, I made the immediate decision to take on an Apprentice as I was proof that it really works for the business.

“I have already seen massive benefits to my business by taking on an Apprentice. The customer service levels have increased as I have someone to answer the phone all the time, which in turn is giving my Apprentice the valuable experience they need to succeed in their training. I have more time to dedicate to clients knowing that I have someone, trained to my high standards, looking after reception and ensuring the salon is always neat and tidy.

“One of the biggest benefits to my business is being able to review my prices and incorporate different levels of prices for myself and my Apprentice. This also has empowered my Apprentice by showing them they are a highly valued member of the team and is a real confidence boost for them.

“Due to a combined team effort, including my Apprentice, we have won a Customer Excellence Award for two years running, so there is proof that by taking on young people and helping them to succeed you can help your business succeed and grow too.

“My Apprentice has recently qualified and is now a Junior Stylist in my salon, I am already interviewing to take on a further Apprentice.”