Every year, thousands of people in the UK take up apprenticeships in over 170 industries. These schemes offer the chance to gain hands-on experience while earning a wage, helping apprentices build real-world skills and kick-start their careers.
With National Apprenticeship Week running from 10 to 16 February, we’re celebrating by shining a light on some of our amazing apprentices. We spoke to current and former apprentices – Hayden Wood, a Mechanical/Electrical Fitter, Taku Zonde, a Design Engineer, Liam Waddington, a Fabricator and Welder, and our General Manager, Mark Dean, who started with us back in the ‘90s to discover what sage advice they have for aspiring apprentices.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
Liam: I wanted real experience, learning from people already doing the job, and I liked the idea of having an actual job with a clear career path at the end of it.
Hayden: I didn’t want to be in full-time college. I was keen to start working, get hands-on experience, and still earn my qualifications at the same time.
Mark: Same here! I also liked knowing I had the backing of a company, with a mix of college for theory and on-the-job training.
Taku: I’d done a year of full-time college but wanted something more hands-on. I’d been interested in engineering since I was 12, and I loved cars, so it just felt like the right path for me.
How did you find out about your apprenticeship at Woodcock & Wilson?
Mark: I did some work experience here while at school, which led to a Saturday job. When they offered me an apprenticeship, I jumped at it.
Taku: Kirklees College was really helpful and explained how apprenticeships worked and they also helped me get interviews. Woodcock & Wilson really stood out.
What made you pick an apprenticeship over university or other training?
Liam: You have to weigh up all the options, but with an apprenticeship, you’re learning on the job, getting paid, and avoiding student debt. Plus, I think you can progress faster in your career.
What’s a typical day like as an apprentice at Woodcock & Wilson?
Hayden: It’s really varied! I build and fit fans, wire up motors, fix grinders, carry out maintenance, assemble units – there’s always something different to do.
What new skills have you gained?
Hayden: Teamwork, definitely. You have to work closely with others to get things done right and on time. Learning how a workplace runs has been a big adjustment from school, but it’s been great.
How do you balance work and college?
Hayden: The structure makes it manageable. I have college one day a week, and I get the time I need to study.
What kind of support do you get?
Hayden: I’ve got a mentor and a supervisor, and my college tutor checks in every couple of months to make sure everything’s on track.
Would you like to stay with the company after your apprenticeship?
Hayden: Definitely!
Mark: We currently outsource some electrical work, but once Hayden qualifies, that could be his role. That’s the plan!
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Mark: Apprenticeships have come a long way since I started 30 years ago. I used to hesitate to ask questions, but now support is built into the training. The biggest challenge is managing college work alongside the job, but you develop important skills early on that help set you up for the future.
What’s been the most rewarding part so far?
Taku: The experience itself! You’re surrounded by people who share your interests, and you have a mentor guiding you. It’s a big step up from school, but there’s great camaraderie.
Mark: You gain real appreciation for the company because they invest so much time and effort into your training. It’s no surprise that most apprentices stay on if they’re offered a permanent job.
How will your apprenticeship help your future career?
Taku: I started as a Fitter, and now I work in design. Seeing how things work in practice helps so much with design decisions. It makes you more employable because you understand both the theory and the hands-on side of things.
Thinking about an apprenticeship?
If you’re considering your next step, an apprenticeship could be the perfect way to gain skills, earn a wage, and build your career. Keep an eye on our apprenticeship page for our available positions.
