Last week, we were on the hunt for our new apprentice/s at Newcastle College’s Next Steps Fayre. Jo and Dan represented us at the event, meeting students who were keen to explore careers in building services.

At Ford Mainwaring, we understand the importance of apprenticeships in tackling the ongoing skills shortage in the facilities maintenance industry. That’s why we’re not just talking about the problem – we’re actively working to solve it.
 

Engaging with Future Talent

The event provided the perfect opportunity to connect with local students who want to kickstart their careers in building services. We spoke with young people interested in electrical and mechanical work, discussing the different career paths available in our industry.

Rather than offering vague promises, we focused on what we could truly provide:

Real hands-on experience – from day one, our apprentices get stuck into meaningful work that keeps vital systems running.

A clear career path – not just a job, but a long-term future in an industry that makes a difference.

An honest approach – no corporate jargon, just real opportunities to learn and grow.
 

Building Careers, Not Just Jobs

Reflecting on our apprenticeship programme, we’ve already seen the impact that investing in young talent can have. In 2023, we welcomed two service engineer apprentices, Mitch and Charlie, and after attending Newcastle College’s event last year, we brought Liam onto the team. Each of them has been actively involved in vital work with our experienced engineers, from maintaining HVAC systems to ensuring businesses remain compliant.

One of the key things we’ve learnt since taking on apprentices is that career paths aren’t always linear. One of our apprentices initially started in electrics but soon realised it wasn’t the right fit for him. Rather than letting him struggle in a role that didn’t suit him, we supported him in transitioning to a service engineer apprenticeship – a role he now thrives in!
 

Looking Ahead

We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to learn, grow, and build a future in building services. If you’re interested in an apprenticeship with Ford Mainwaring, get in touch – your career starts here.