Wm Armstrong celebrates apprentice achievements

Wm Armstrong has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing on the next generation of talent by backing National Apprenticeship Week and supporting its own apprentices as they work towards their qualifications.

The family-run logistics business has a long history of developing skills, nurturing talent and retaining staff - and its latest cohort of apprentices have praised the business for the advice, assistance and mentoring they have been given.

Service Administrator Iona Gibson recently completed a Business Administration apprenticeship, spending one day a week at Carlisle College and four at Wm Armstrong.

She said Amstrong’s reputation led her to joining the business for her apprenticeship.

She added: “I wanted to complete my apprenticeship with Armstrong due to positive feedback and recommendations from others who had worked within the company. I was particularly drawn to the company’s strong reputation, staff loyalty and the length of time many employees have remained with the business, which demonstrated to me that it is a supportive and well-managed organisation.

“Since completing my apprenticeship, my confidence, knowledge and overall skill set have grown considerably.”

And her apprenticeship inspired her to alter her career ambitions, changing from a mechanical apprenticeship to an administration one.  

“My career direction has changed significantly. I have found business administration far more rewarding. I now aspire to progress into a management role, either managing a department or a business in the future,” she said.

Luke Langley has also just completed his Business Administration apprenticeship.

He said: “My confidence has grown. I learnt about communication skills and I now find it a lot easier to speak with people. I have gained knowledge of computers and other software. I am really proud to have completed it.”

Daniel Byers is on a Motor Vehicle apprenticeship with Armstrong. “I get to do a big variety of engine jobs, which are the most enjoyable,” he said. “My apprenticeship has helped me learn how to work better in a team and use my intuition. 

“I started off knowing very little about vehicles and I’m proud of how I have come through and got to where I am now.”

Rachel Smithson, Learning and Development Manager at Wm Armstrong, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the growth of future talent in our industry. They give us the opportunity to bring new people into road haulage, support them with structured training and hands-on experience, and help them build the skills and knowledge they need to progress, perform well and develop longterm careers.”

Managing Director Ben Smith-Armstrong added: “As a business at the heart of our communities and one which hundreds of customers and other businesses rely on, we know the importance of developing and retaining high-quality staff.

“We are proud of our local links and guiding local people through their apprenticeships is incredibly rewarding. We see them grow and prosper, often expanding their horizons and setting them on career paths they never initially thought possible.

“They work extremely hard to pass their apprenticeships – it is not an easy option and needs dedication and hard work. We are delighted to support National Apprenticeship Week as a force for good across our business.”