Young learners make up a key part of the TFS fabric. 

We’ve been offering apprentice training routes for over 20 years, providing young people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workplace alongside their studies. It’s valuable for them, and it’s valuable for us, too; our employees require unique knowledge that’s only applicable to our business, and so apprentices play a key role in supporting our business needs now and into the future. 

Our General Manager, Adam Morris, started out his career with us as an apprentice, mixing on site experience throughout his formal education – his GCSE’s, A Levels and his degree. He’s the perfect example of how we nurture our apprentices and unlock their potential to help them forge lasting careers. 

The ambitions and interests of our apprentices always vary – for example, this year, we’ve taken on Josh Lappin, 21, who’s studying for an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering at Warrington Vale Royal College, and Adam Caddick, 19, who’s studying business management as part of a degree apprenticeship with Edge Hill University. 

To celebrate Apprenticeship Week, they told us why they chose this route to further their careers, what excites them about the job and what they’d say to other people considering apprenticeships. 

Josh said: “I’ve always liked being hands on with technology and machines, so an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering really stood out to me. When I heard I could study alongside having a job with TFS I was really pleased – it’s a local firm which is a big employer in the area so I knew I’d be in good hands. 

“I started my course in June 2021. I do four days a week on the shop floor, completing maintenance on the machines we rely on to complete customer orders, and spend one day a week in college learning the theory behind the job. 

“I’m always busy, learning new things and understanding how vital it is for machines to be running at their best for a business like this one to be a success. The team are great and there’s always someone on hand to help if I need advice on how to resolve a problem. 

“Having the support of TFS has really helped me in my course as I know I have a reliable employer who backs my career and studies. For me, an apprenticeship was an opportunity to balance more learning with a job, earning money and working alongside professionals who know what they’re doing. I think they’re a great option for anyone who likes to get involved in the nitty gritty and who is happy to learn from others.”

Adam said: “I’m really interested in understanding how a business works, so when I was thinking about my options after college I wanted a route that would balance hands-on experience in a business environment with the opportunity to benefit from everything university has to offer. When I heard about degree apprenticeships I knew that was the right path and I’ve been lucky enough to be supported by TFS. 

“My course will last six years. I’m in university on a Monday and Friday, and at TFS the other three days of the week. I’m currently based in the warehouse, learning the ins and outs of the whole product range, but will eventually move into the business’ offices to take on a different role. Once I’ve completed my degree, I’ll look to move into a more senior role within business management, and I’ve got big ambitions for the future. 

“The team at TFS truly enable me to apply my learnings from university here in the business. I’m often given the chance to put something into practice in a real-time scenario which, I think, is the best way of learning. 

“Not many people know that degree apprenticeships exist – there definitely needs to be more awareness of them, because I think many more people would do them. Everyone should weigh up the pros and cons of continuing their education but for me, a degree apprenticeship offered everything I needed. I have a great work/study balance, I get paid along the way and I’m developing skills that I know are going to be needed well into the future, all with the support of a great employer.”

To find out more about apprenticeships with TFS, contact us. 

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