My apprenticeship was my launch platform!

I hated high school and the traditional learning models. The only subjects that interested me were technical drawing and physics. Yes, I was a geek in the making. Those subject teachers were also supportive and made learning fun. This was the polar opposite of my maths teacher who, after a few years of making me feel useless, celebrated my end of high school by writing “Mark will never amount to anything” on the last page of my yearbook. This cruel comment, however, spurred me on to prove her wrong.

During one of my technical classes, we had visited a local bakery where the automated production lines and scale of engineering used to deliver my favourite toast was fascinating. One of the production engineers told us that he started as an apprentice and was now in charge of this amazing, shiny, stainless-steel machine.  On leaving school, I went to find out how I could get to be an apprentice.

I was lucky to be offered a place with a local manufacturer and started at college to study for my ONC in Mechanical Engineering. During time at college, I worked with other apprentices who were studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering, which for me was even more exciting. I managed to get a meeting with their company HR boss during a review meeting, and I asked if I could join his business.  After a rigorous selection process, a few interviews, and a good grade on my ONC, I was accepted. My apprenticeship was extended, and I was allowed to study for an HNC on day-release at college. My new employer was my home for almost 29 years. 

My new employer was Siemens and my career, which started as an apprentice, enabled me to work in a variety of roles and finally progressed to Managing Director. I travelled the world with my work, including living in Singapore for 3 years and Germany for 8 years. I learnt a new language, gained experience and knowledge that I had previously not dreamed about. I met 2 prime ministers and had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty the Queen.

As I progressed, I wanted to make sure that others also had the opportunity that I had. I got frustrated as the UK seemed to turn its back on apprenticeships, and for while it felt like we were the last of the breed.  During my time in Germany, this was even more apparent as apprenticeships were viewed with the same ‘status’ as the traditional university routes.

On my return to the UK, and for the last 9 years of my corporate career, I made an effort to actively support entry-level talent, with a focus on apprentices. I mentored a number of young apprentices and was an active speaker at apprentice events and promoted the great opportunities that apprenticeships offer. 

This need to give something back and to see others develop and grow has been a driving force for me since I left the corporate world and started my own business. I am fortunate now to work with other businesses, their owners, leaders, and teams, to support them and see them succeed.

Today is Celebration Friday in National Apprenticeship Week 2023.  This year’s theme is "Skills for Life"; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

During this year's National Apprenticeship week, I have met some new and aspiring apprentices, seen the great work that businesses are doing in support and recruiting apprentices and shared my story with others.

As I look back, I can celebrate the skills for life that I gained as an apprentice and can only encourage others to take a similar route into their careers. And, for Mrs. “B”, my maths teacher, Mark DID achieve an incredible amount, despite you!

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2023 is the 16th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships. The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week