Apprenticeships provide opportunities for individuals to develop new skills and become work ready, and for businesses to upskill their workforce and achieve growth.
A valued part of our workshop team, Ethan Thompson joined Thompsons as an apprentice and once qualified, employed as a joiner. This National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we asked Ethan to share his experience of taking the apprenticeship route and the impact it has had on his career.
What is your role at Thompsons, and what does it involve?
I’m a joiner. So on a day-to-day basis I’ll be given a drawing of a design and I’ll take that away to make the product. Depending on the job this could be completed in as little as a day, or take as long as a few weeks. We work on such a range of clients and projects which means the work is really varied and interesting.
When did you do your apprenticeship at Thompsons?
I started my Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 apprenticeship at Thompsons in July 2020, before going on to complete Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Level 3.
What made you want to do an apprenticeship?
My dad was in a similar industry when he was 16 so that was definitely an influence. Also, I had always wanted to do something with my hands and learn a trade. An apprenticeship just seemed like the perfect option.
What did a typical week look like as an apprentice?
I would spend a selected day a week at Preston College, then the rest of the time I would be at work at Thompsons.
How soon after completing your apprenticeship were you employed by Thompsons?
I was offered a job straightaway, which was brilliant.
What were some of the biggest things you learnt during your apprenticeship?
The main thing would obviously be learning a trade that will stay with me forever. But also, time keeping, dedication, good work ethic, teamwork, professionalism and good communication. They’re all key skills – in any industry.
Would you recommend this type of career path to others?
Definitely – it’s an opportunity to learn great skills and get paid at the same time, so for me that’s a win-win. Also it resulted in me gaining full-time employment, which is the ultimate goal!
