As we welcome our new intake of apprentices this month, we think it's a perfect time to reflect on the home grown talent that has helped shape our business.

Our apprenticeship programmes, delivered in partnership with local providers such as Burnley College, Blackburn College, and North Lancs Training Group, continue to be an essential part of our business.

This month, seven new apprentices have joined us, working across quality, production, the machine shop, and the sewing department. 

Among the new faces, 18-year-old Lily Davenport from Clayton is beginning her business management apprenticeship in the production department.  

Alongside her in Altham are Poppy Taylor, Jack Reynolds, Thomas Jackson, and Jake Holden, who are beginning their CNC Operations apprenticeships. They’ll be learning the skills needed to operate machinery and equipment in our new, state-of-the-art training academy.

Over in Huncoat, we welcome Lily Bradshaw-Fenna to our business management team, and Cathryn Leigh, who is starting a sewing apprenticeship after honing her passion for embroidery through a career in retail, admin, and social care. 

Looking at the present, our current apprentices continue to impress. Upholstery student Ella Furk has earned a place in our seating department after passing with distinction.  

Jamie McCann, now our CI Manager in Altham, recently completed both parts of his Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship and stepped into his managerial role.  

Supporting Jamie is Airon McKenzie-Turner, who has just achieved a 2:1 in his Chartered Management Degree and is awaiting his apprenticeship results. 

And reflecting on our roots, we celebrate one of our original apprentices, Dave Cropper (top picture). Dave started on the shop floor as an apprentice just a week after leaving school in 1988 through the North Lancs Training Group in Accrington.  

His journey from apprentice to Production Manager at Shorten Brook Drive illustrates the purpose behind these programmes: to create lifelong, homegrown talent.