The success story continues year on year!
We launched our apprenticeship scheme over 10 years ago, in a bid to help more young people get into the engineering industry.
Since then over 90% of trainees have graduated from the scheme and most continue to work at TBS today; all now have valuable qualifications and promising careers ahead of them.
We see them as the future of our company.
We think it’s really important to show the next generation that manufacturing and engineering are growing, innovative industries they can be a part of and prosper in. We are incredibly proud of our Apprenticeship program and our young team of talented individuals that it’s produced.
Our industry is thriving, and it’s full of opportunities for both problem solvers and hands-on team players.
Take a look below at what our Apprentices have to say about our program and their TBS experience
Get technical qualifications and earn while you learn in a professional, hands-on role
Our apprenticeship offers on-the-job training for both technical and commercial roles, as an alternative to studying at university.
How Our Program Works
Our 3-year engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship scheme, based in Gloucester begins with an initial year full time at Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET), a specialist training facility for the Engineering sector.
In years 2 and 3 you are based on our site in Brockworth four days a week gaining practical work experience in all areas of our business. You will also spend one day a week back at GET to fulfil the teaching elements of your NVQ/HNC.
Whilst working at TBS you training programme is structured to enable you to experience different areas of the business. This is specifically designed to ensure you learn all the key skills for your qualification and to help you identify where you wish to focus your future career.
Your technical apprenticeship is designed to prepare you for a successful engineering career at TBS. By the end of your apprenticeship, you should have all the experience you need to start a permanent role in the Company, and a good idea of where your skills fit best. TBS is committed to championing each and every apprentice on their own individual journey – we’ll continue to support your career development as you settle into permanent employment and for years to come.
The Opportunities we offer
We offer the following Program options to help match your desired career path:
- Technical Apprenticeships
- Dual skilled mechanical and electrical apprenticeship
- Design Apprenticeships
- Machining Apprenticeships
- Engineering apprenticeship with a CAD and design focus
- Commercial Apprenticeships
- Engineering apprenticeship followed by Business Studies HNC
We know you may have questions about what is involved with an apprenticeship at TBS. We hope we can answer them here, but if you have any additional questions please do get in contact and we will be happy to answer them.
Application Process 2024
The application process for the September 2024 intake has now closed. If you would like to be considered for our 2025 intake keep an eye on this page from November 2024 where we will advertise the application process.
If you would like to talk to us about apprenticeships before that date please do get in touch with us at apprenticeships@tbsengineering.co.uk and we would be happy to arrange to show you around our facility and explain what apprenticeships we offer.
We take immense pride in the remarkable accomplishments of our team members. Many have embarked on the TBS Apprenticeship, embracing ongoing growth and skill development.
Explore their inspiring personal journeys below.
Global Service Manager
Dan Parker-Gage
I’ve been part of the TBS family since 2011, and during this time, I’ve witnessed the remarkable growth driven by the industry’s high demand. TBS invested in my career development, offering diverse opportunities to enhance my skills, both commercially and operationally. The company sponsored my participation in leadership training and project management courses, working closely with me to plan my future educational and career path.
My journey at TBS began in Customer Services as a Spares Sales Executive, where I engaged with key customers in the USA, China, and Europe. Building strong relationships through site visits and regular contact, I deepened my knowledge of our equipment, parts, supply chain, and the battery manufacturing industry. I contributed to complex projects, including the development and testing of new MRP software and the establishment of TBS’s Kutztown office in Pennsylvania, USA.
As I continued to grow within the company, I transitioned to a Technician Support Coordinator, gaining insights into the operational side of the business. Today, I hold the position of Global Service Manager in the Aftermarket Division, focusing on transforming our leadership team’s vision and strategy into reality. Our collaborative efforts have led to the establishment of distribution centres in Mexico, Europe, and India.
Mechanical Designer
William Davis
My journey with TBS kicked off in September 2017 when I decided to veer away from the traditional academic path and opt for a hands-on apprenticeship. In the first year, I was predominantly at the apprentice college, dedicating one day to theory and four days to practical work at TBS, even working during half-term breaks.
My second year had me back at TBS, where I joined the HITEK fitters on the shop floor before briefly transitioning to the tooling fitting/assembly team. Eventually, I moved into the design office, all while continuing my education with one day of theory at college, ultimately completing my NVQ qualification.
The third and fourth years saw me continue my journey in the design office, balancing four days at TBS and one day at college, this time pursuing my HNC qualification. The onset of Covid led to remote work and online courses for my HNC qualification. During this time, I was asked to return to the office to support machine builds at TBS, maintaining my office role during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, a hiccup required me to redo a portion of my first year of HNC, extending the qualification to three years instead of two. After completing my HNC qualification, I became a full-time TBS employee, embarking on international customer visits and, this September, commencing an HND course, blending theory and practical work.
Choosing the apprenticeship route at TBS provided me with a holistic understanding of the company, spanning from shop floor work to designing machines. I believe this path has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set and a more profound understanding than a purely academic route would have offered.
Service Technician
Carl Goldsmith
My journey at TBS began in 2014 when I joined as one of the second batch of apprentices. For the first 2-3 years, I divided my time between college and TBS, focusing on fitting and machining. While initially drawn to the machine shop, I soon found it repetitive and not quite to my liking. A shift to the fitting shop under the HITEK team marked a turning point, and there I spent approximately 7 years. During this period, I connected with numerous colleagues and amassed knowledge about our machines and industry.
In 2018, an incredible opportunity took me to China for 3 weeks, sparking my desire to become a technician. Over the next couple of years, I actively engaged in projects in Mexico, America, and Algeria, learning invaluable lessons along the way. With a thirst for more knowledge, I diligently worked towards a technician role. Two years later, my efforts paid off, and I began working alongside the technicians. My passion for the job drives me to aim for the ability to set up and run all machines that TBS manufactures.
Health and Safety & Environmental Manager
Darren White
In September 2008, just before my 21st birthday, I learned about TBS through Omega Recruitment. With a background in fitting and a toolbox brimming with tools, I was promptly asked when I could start. A mere week later, I joined the team at one of the first factories TBS used in Elmstone Hardwicke, Cheltenham.
I dedicated several years to mastering the product range’s build process, from speed shift, COS, and Hi-Tek machines to crafting tooling for battery production. My ambition led me to undertake additional training, such as forklift operation and night classes in Tig and Mig welding at Glos Cat College while working on the COS section.
In 2017, the Health and Safety Manager, Colin Marshal, offered me the role of Health and Safety Officer, which I enthusiastically accepted. This role required me to earn the IOSH Managing Safely qualification. In 2018, as TBS moved to our current location, I was promoted to Team Leader Mechanical Assemblies and Health and Safety Officer. During this time, I led a team of fitters in building new versions of old machines, which were far from the usual builds.
When our Health and Safety Manager took voluntary redundancy, I saw an opportunity for career advancement at TBS. With the support of Richard Taylor, our MD (Group director at the time), I enrolled in the Nebosh National General Certificate and was promoted to Health, Safety, and Environment Manager in June 2022.
Since then, I’ve earned the Nebosh Environmental Management Certificate and the Nebosh Certificate in Fire Safety, both vital for my role. Currently, I’m working on the IOSH Train the Trainer course to enhance my training delivery skills. I’m also on my way to becoming a Tech IOSH, an affiliate member of IOSH, and I’m steadily progressing through my 3-year development cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I be working?
You will spend your first year (September to July) in full time training with Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET) at their dedicated facility based on Corinium Avenue in Gloucester. From year 2 you are then be based on our purpose-built site at TBS, 10 minutes away, on the Gloucester Business Park in Brockworth, with a day release back at GET.
How long does it take to complete the apprenticeship?
It will take 3 years to complete your full apprenticeship.
What happens at the end of my apprenticeship?
After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, you will have a nationally held qualification for your profession. Subject to the requirements of the business you will be able to apply for suitable vacancies within TBS.
Can I progress onto further qualifications at the end of my apprenticeship?
If you are successful if being offered a permanent role with TBS at the end of the apprenticeship you may be given the opportunity for further development and qualifications, depending on the business need and your capabilities/interests.
What skills/qualifications do I need to apply?
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent, including maths, English and a science, preferably physics, at a level 4 (Grade C) or above or be predicted to achieve this.
As well as technical skills, we look for ….
- Enthusiasm, drive and commitment to complete your apprenticeship.
- An interest in engineering as a subject and, ideally, evidence of related activities through hobbies, voluntary work, work experience or school studies.
- A hands on, problem solving approach to tasks.
- Good IT skills
- Ability to communicate and work well with others.
What are the working hours?
In your first year at GET you will work 37 hours, 7.45am – 4pm with an early finish on a Friday (1.45pm)
Once you transfer onto the TBS at Brockworth you will work an average 37 hour week over a rolling 2 week pattern, with alternate Fridays off – making this a 9 day working fortnight.
There is no weekend working except where overtime is offered and we do not run a night shift at TBS
What is the salary?
We start our apprentices on a salary range between £15,000 and £18,000 dependant on age. We regularly review progress and have in place a structured salary progression linked to performance, completion of coursework and achievement of qualifications.
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