Apprenticeships

Tom Hayes

“I started my apprenticeship in September 2024. My first impressions of TBS were that they were a very organised and forward-thinking company, which I have come to see is true in the past months that I have been in the company full time. Since I have finished second year, I have settled into TBS well and got hands on experience building the COS machines instantly. I have enjoyed my time here so far as it has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the business and how they like to operate. One project that stood out to me was the first time I was trusted to wire a sub assembly by myself. I had helped to wire one of the beams on the COS8 machine and then was trusted to wire a gripper beam by myself. I found it challenging as I had to rely more on my own judgement rather than the experience of those working around me. However, I also found it rewarding when I had completed it to know that I had completed it myself. This job helped me to develop my hands on skills and better my electrical drawing knowledge. I have learned that in my role it helps to be good at problem solving, as things do go wrong from time to time and it is important you spot the issues and find ways in which to resolve them as quickly and effectively as possible so that the timeline set for each machine is not effected. My technical, professional, and personal skills have all improved massively since working at TBS as they have all been put to test”

Jakub Szczepanik

“I started my apprenticeship at TBS in September 2024, and so far, I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve made good friends both inside and outside of the company, and I’ve learned a lot of new skills during this time. One task that stands out to me is when I’m asked to take accurate measurements and drill holes on two separate elements so that they align perfectly — it’s rewarding because you only get one shot at getting it right, and if it’s off, it’s often very difficult or even impossible to fix. Through my apprenticeship, I’ve learned that my role relies heavily on precision and accuracy, and I’ve developed more patience and attention to detail, always making sure to double-check measurements and my work. My training and studies have been a huge help in supporting my work experience, as the practice and mentoring I received before joining TBS full-time gave me a strong foundation and made it easier to settle in. Even so, I continue to learn something new every day on the job. My advice to anyone starting an apprenticeship like mine would be to stay confident — everyone at TBS is approachable and willing to help, and the same goes for the instructors at GET. Take your time, don’t rush, and always double or triple-check your measurements and alignments before proceeding, as a few extra minutes of care can save hours of rework later. Overall, I believe TBS is one of the best starting points for apprentices in Gloucestershire, with approachable staff, a modern workspace, and a clean, well-organized environment that really supports learning and development.”

Kobe Pope

“I wanted to do something that was more design-focused, so rather than going to university, which didn’t really appeal to me, I chose to do an apprenticeship. That way, I could learn on the job, earn while learning, and explore different areas of the company without committing to one particular position.

In the first year, I was full-time at Gloucester Engineering Training, learning all kinds of different skills. The second year was more full-time at TBS, but with one day a week released for my academic studies. Then, in the final year, I focused more on building and completing my portfolio, as well as starting my HSC HND, which is what I currently do. I think it really gives you a solid foundation in all the core skills—from machining, to fitting, to electrical work, panel work, and even design as well.

When you come into the company full-time with a good understanding of all these different skills, it really boosts your confidence and allows you to get stuck straight into real work. I’ve developed quite strong CAD skills, which are obviously really important for my job—particularly SolidWorks, which is the package we use. I’ve been on lots of courses and have been in the office for two years now, so I’ve had plenty of time to practice and perfect different skills.

On the professional side, I’ve also developed my communication, project, and time management skills. When I first joined the office, it was quite overwhelming—you’ve got a lot of work due and short deadlines—but I learned to break down tasks and rely on the support of those around me who were more experienced. That really helped me build my confidence and deliver quality work on top of it.

TBS gives you study time every week to stay on top of your coursework, which makes a massive difference. The people I work with have always been approachable and supportive. They’re happy to share their knowledge and encourage me to take on more responsibility, which has really boosted both my skills and confidence.

You’re paid fairly with the performance-based pay system—the more effort you put in, the more you get out of it. One of the biggest benefits is that you get exposure to all areas of the business. You’re not just taught how to do one thing in one section; you’re taught how to do a bit of everything, everywhere. That’s great because when it comes to choosing what you want to do or specialise in for your career, you’re not locked into a pathway you picked right after your GCSEs. You’ve had time to try different things and then select the one you really enjoy.

My advice would be to take every opportunity you’re given and push yourself outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—lean on the people around you because they’ve all been in the industry a long time and have plenty of knowledge to share. And ultimately, the more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.

I’m really proud to have been highly commended for Apprentice of the Year. It’s great recognition of the hard work I’ve put in and the support I’ve had from everyone at TBS. I’ve learned so much during my apprenticeship and this has motivated me to keep pushing forward.”