During National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Worcester Bosch takes a look at some of the more surprising names to have undertaken an apprenticeship…
Offering the opportunity to learn essential life and career skills with financial support provided, apprenticeships are the ideal education route for all ages and walks of life – including school leavers, job changers and those looking to broaden their experiences in new ways.
With National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th Feb) underway, Worcester Bosch has opened applications for its own apprenticeship schemes but the leading manufacturer has also taken a look at a number of rather high profile individuals who initially looked at the apprenticeship route.
For example, whilst Sir Billy Connolly famously worked as a welder in a shipyard for five years, not a lot of people know that Sir Michael Caine started off as a plumber before becoming a big-screen star. And what about the fact that Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was a trainee electrician before taking the music world by storm?
MMA fighter Conor McGregor became a plumber by trade, working full-time whilst also training to become a world champion. Ross Brawn OBE, meanwhile, used his apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer on his way to becoming an F1 team owner whilst billionaire businessman Jon Cauldwell abandoned his A-levels in favour of a practical apprenticeship, starting his career as an engineer.
Apprenticeships spanning many topics are open regularly across the year, and applications are always welcome for those looking for a direction change.
Worcester Bosch states that it is committed to providing these educational opportunities with 25 apprentices recruited each year. Whilst 44% of those recruited are between 19-21, there is also a notable trend for those interested in changing their career later in life, with 24% of its apprenticeship intake over the past five years being 26 or older.
The Cecil Duckworth Apprenticeship
Established in 2021 in memory of Worcester Bosch’s founder, the Cecil Duckworth apprenticeship scheme provides a four-year rotational programme with mentorship support and an opportunity to study for an Lv3 Engineering qualification, with a guaranteed permanent position at the company.
Worcester-based Matthew Dutson, 21, who is a recipient of the first Cecil Duckworth apprenticeship, has utilised his passion for engineering, maths and physics, rotating between the Tool Room and Maintenance departments to design new prototypes and repair products.
Matthew said: “My grandad was an apprentice electrician and he really inspired me. No subject stood out for university and financially this made sense. Learning new skills every day, having hands on experience and training for qualifications has built my confidence, so I can only encourage more to follow.”
Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, added: “At Worcester Bosch, we have been committed to providing educational opportunities for many years, and want to invest in the future. This National Apprenticeship Week, we would love to encourage anyone to apply for the Cecil Duckworth apprenticeship scheme, to help more aspirers develop their passions into a career.”
