The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is ‘Skills for Life’, which encourages everyone to consider and celebrate how apprenticeships help individuals develop rewarding careers, and employers to develop a workforce with future-ready skills.
In celebration of this we spoke to Robert, who after working as a Production Operator for 10 years, gained a Tool Making Apprenticeship with his employer Sanko Gosei and upskilled from his previous role.
Robert explained:
“I always wanted to complete an apprenticeship but I never got the opportunity to do so when I was younger. After working in an injection moulding environment since I was 18 years old, the opportunity to become an apprentice at my current employer Sanko Gosei became available and I jumped at the chance.”
The opportunity to study as an adult apprentice has allowed Robert to train to upskill and change career path, all within his current employer, and while still earning a wage.
Speaking on the many benefits Robert has found during his apprenticeship he said:
“The apprenticeship has benefitted me massively. Not only have I developed many new skills, it has given me the pleasure of having a great career path. The combination of hands-on work and problem-solving is what I enjoy most about my work and most importantly the learning never stops.”
Robert added:
“To anyone else who may be considering this type of training I would say that it’s never too late to start an apprenticeship, whatever your age!”
If you are interested in completing an apprenticeship or if you are an employer and would like to find out more about apprenticeships and how they could benefit your business, contact our Business Development Team on 01744 623521 or email businessunit@sthelens.ac.uk.
